Mount Fuji Climbing Season At A Cost Of 4,000 Yen Begins

JAKARTA - Mount Fuji's climbing season, Japan began when the most popular hiking trail opened on Tuesday, with the local government charging a double fee of 4,000 yen to reduce climb density and the impact on the environment.

Yamanashi Prefecture receives a maximum of 4,000 climbers per day on the Yoshida Line, the most commonly used route to the top of the 3,776 meter high mountain, which is scheduled to remain open until September 10.

"I arrived on time to see the sunrise. I am very happy. I want to climb mountains in other countries too," said Shiho Miyaoka, a high school student from Kyoto who came to Japan's highest peak with his parents to see the sunrise, according to Kyodo News July 1.

The Prefecture has tightened measures amid rising numbers of foreign visitors and growing concerns about the number of climbers who have not been ready on the mountain in recent years.

Those who do not have reservations to stay at the mountain hut will be prohibited from passing through the gates at the 5th station starting at 2 p.m., two hours earlier than last year, until 3 a.m.

People planning to use the Yoshida Line must also agree to the requirements set by the local government when making online reservations, including the use of the appropriate warm clothes and footwear.

Local authorities acting as "guards of Mount Fuji" at the gates will provide safety guidance. Starting this season, they can ban the entry of minimally clad visitors.

The other three lanes on the mountain side of Shizuoka Prefecture are scheduled to open on July 10, with the local government also charging 4,000 yen but indefinitely for the number of climbers.

It is known, Mount Fuji, which was designated the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year during its official climbing season until September.