Sacred volcano of Japan, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Mount Fuji has been overrun by foreign tourists in recent years. Their number continues to increase and their recklessness forces local authorities to apply unprecedented restrictive measures.
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See you at 5e Mount Fuji station, at an altitude of 2,305 meters. It is the main starting point for hikers for the ascent to the summit at 3,776 meters. But there are far too many tourists, explains Kotaro Nagasaki, governor of the Yamanashi department, where Mount Fuji is partly located. “Overtourism is not just a serious problem for Yamanashi Prefecture, it is true nationwidehe says. Mount Fuji is no exception.”
Careless, disrespectful of instructions, poorly equipped, insufficiently satisfied… Too many hikers are victims of accidents, illnesses or trapped by sudden drops in temperature along the way. “So we installed an access gate with time restrictions and a daily limit on the number of hikers, announces the governor. We will also collect an entrance fee from everyone who makes the climb.”
Doors open at 3 a.m., close at 4 p.m., no more than 4,000 people per day and therefore an entry fee of around 13 euros, these are the new rules will be applied from 1er July.
“It was urgent to take this action. Although we have some concerns for business, we believe that creating a safer environment for hikers is very positive.”
Shoichi Osano, owner of a store and the tourist office of the 5th stationat franceinfo
Despite these measures, the few foreign tourists interviewed appear to be rather understanding. "I think that makes sense," reacts, for example, an American tourist.
