Japanese authorities have implemented stricter measures for access to Monte Fuji in the 2025 climbing season, with the aim of combating overtourism, reducing the risk of accidents and preserving the environment. The mandatory entry fee for the main trails has doubled compared to the previous year, rising to 4,000 yen (about 150 reais at the current rate), and now applies to all main routes. Restrições opening hours and daily visitor limit were also reinforced, especially on the Yoshida trail, the most popular.
The province of Yamanashi, responsible for the Yoshida trail, maintained access control through gates installed at the fifth station. Climbers must pay the fee and, in many cases, make a reservation in advance or register online. Entry between 2pm and 3am is prohibited for those without reservations in mountain huts, a measure aimed at eliminating so-called “bullet climbs”, carried out without adequate breaks during the night.
These rules went into effect at the start of the season, which began July 1 for trail Yoshida and ran through September 10 for most routes. The provinces of Yamanashi and Shizuoka coordinated similar actions to standardize requirements across the four main trails: Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Gotemba and
Flow control measures
City halls have installed gates to limit the daily number of climbers on the Yoshida trail to 4,000 people. Quem exceeds this limit or does not comply with the schedules and is prevented from proceeding. Mountain huts remain mandatory for overnight stays, and reservations help prioritize access during restricted periods.
Proceeds from the 4,000 yen fee go towards maintaining trails, building emergency shelters and environmental preservation actions. Autoridades locals monitor compliance with the rules with designated guides and reinforced signage along the route.
Specific rules per track
On the Yoshida trail, the most accessed, the gates operate with strict time restrictions. Escaladores without a cabin reservation, they cannot enter between 2pm and 3am. The fee is charged on site or via advance reservation, and advance registration is encouraged to avoid queues and overload.
On the trails on the Shizuoka side (Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri), which opened on July 10, mandatory registration takes place via the official app. Climbers complete safety and conservation educational modules before paying the fee and confirming their climb. Essas routes also adopt visitor limits and similar nighttime restrictions.
The season ended on September 10th, with all trails above the fifth station closed to avoid accidents in the winter period. Descent along Yoshida remained permitted for another day in some sections.
Impact on night climbing
Nighttime entry bans have significantly reduced climbing without adequate rest. In the second year of stronger regulations, authorities reported a dramatic decrease in risky practices, with fewer incidents of exhaustion and rockfalls caused by crowds.
The measures focus on the safety of visitors and the protection of the volcano’s ecosystem. Escaladores receive detailed guidance on necessary equipment such as flashlights, appropriate clothing and water supplies.
Preparation for the next season
City halls plan to maintain or improve the rules for 2026, based on the positive results seen in 2025. Online registration and advance payment facilitate planning and help distribute visitors throughout the season.
The actions are part of wider efforts at Japão to manage tourism in iconic locations, ensuring Monte Fuji remains sustainably accessible.
The 2025 season saw high adherence to the new standards, with a reduction in inappropriate behavior and an improvement in the climbers’ overall experience.