Swiss hiker dies on Mount Fuji, 99-year-old injured woman rescued

A Swiss national has died on Mount Fuji after losing consciousness during a hike, authorities confirmed Friday. The 58-year-old man's death marks the second fatality since the climbing season began on July 1, highlighting the risks associated with ascending Japan's iconic volcano.

In a separate incident, rescuers successfully located and aided a 99-year-old Japanese woman who had sustained injuries the previous day and spent the night in a mountain hut. Her rescue underscores the varied challenges faced by climbers on the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) peak.

Mount Fuji, once a serene pilgrimage site, now attracts a large number of hikers, many of whom may lack the necessary stamina for the demanding trek. In response to overtourism, crowding, and safety incidents, Japan has introduced stricter access rules. These include daily climber caps and climbing fees, with Yamanashi Prefecture's popular Yoshida Trail limiting hikers to 4,000 per day and charging a fee, which doubled in 2025. Shizuoka region also implemented its own charges.

Despite these measures, over 200,000 people climbed the mountain last year. Police are advising hikers to be realistic about their capabilities, considering their climbing experience and physical fitness. They urge individuals to descend if they feel concerned about weather conditions or their physical state, emphasizing the importance of planning hikes within their limits.

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Police are urging hikers to come down from the mountain without pushing themselves if they feel concerned about the weather or their physical condition, and to plan hikes that are within their capabilities, taking into account their climbing experience and physical fitness.