Mount Fuji climbing season opens with new fee kiosks to ease crowds

Mount Fuji officially opened its climbing season on July 1, welcoming hikers eager to ascend Japan's iconic peak. Two of the four primary hiking trails, the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture and the Subashiri Trail in Shizuoka prefecture, are now open. The Subashiri Trail opened earlier than in previous years, while the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route, saw the implementation of new measures to manage visitor flow.

Yamanashi prefecture has introduced self-service payment kiosks for the 4,000 yen (approximately $32 USD) entrance fee at the fifth station of the Yoshida Trail. These kiosks, set to be fully operational in 2026, aim to streamline the process for hikers who have not pre-registered, thereby easing congestion. Local authorities are urging climbers to complete their registration and fee payments online in advance.

Concerns about overcrowding and the safety of unprepared climbers have led both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures to introduce various regulations. This comes amid a notable rise in foreign visitors attempting the climb in recent years. During the 2025 season, the number of climbers on the Shizuoka side trails decreased by 6.1% to 84,032, while the Yoshida Trail saw a 5.4% increase to 121,068 climbers.

The mountain remains at Volcanic Alert Level 1, the lowest of five levels, indicating potential for increased activity. Despite recent seismic activity, including a 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Yamanashi prefecture on June 26, and the close passage of two typhoons, climbers reported clear weather and were able to witness a sunrise. A staff member at a mountain hut near the summit noted a higher number of climbers than expected.

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(I) wasn’t sure the hike was even going to happen with that typhoon. We’re really glad that we got to see the sunrise at the end.