Yoshida Trail Now Open: All Mt Fuji Routes to Charge ¥4,000 Fee

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The Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of Mt Fuji officially opened on July 1 for the 2025 climbing season. The remaining three trails on the Shizuoka side — Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya — are set to open on July 10.

Managing Crowds

In response to a surge in international visitors and growing concerns over overcrowding near the summit and poor climbing etiquette, new regulations have been introduced this year.

A uniform fee of ¥4,000 (approximately $30 USD) per person will be charged for access to all trails. Entry will also be restricted from 2 PM to 3 AM to help manage the flow of climbers. Both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures are jointly enforcing these measures.

*As the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of Mt Fuji opens for the climbing season, a long-exposure photo captures the trail of headlamps from climbers heading for the summit.*

At the fifth station gate, a woman in her 30s from Fukuoka Prefecture commented, "It feels like a school trip for adults," as she and four friends prepared for their ascent. Nearby, six members of the men's volleyball team from Aichi Gakuin University set off enthusiastically. "We're aiming to be number one in Japan at the championships. So we're starting by conquering Mt Fuji, the tallest mountain in the country," they said.

*A starry night sky seen from the Horaikan mountain hut at the 8th station of Mt Fuji on June 30.*

Increased Fees and Stricter Hours

In 2024, Yamanashi Prefecture charged a ¥2,000 toll. This season, the fee has doubled. The fifth station gate, which previously closed at 4 PM, now shuts at 2 PM. Shizuoka Prefecture is also introducing the same ¥4,000 fee and time restrictions this season.

Revenue from the new fees will support safety initiatives. These include building emergency shelters for volcanic eruptions and hiring staff to manage foot traffic near the summit.

Authorities are also cracking down on unsafe practices like "bullet climbing," which involves attempting to reach the summit without proper rest. They're also targeting climbers without appropriate gear. Yamanashi's "Mt Fuji Rangers" now have the authority to turn away anyone who is inadequately prepared. Meanwhile, Shizuoka will require all climbers to complete safety and etiquette training before starting their ascent.

The 2025 Mt Fuji climbing season will run through September 10.