Japan imposes measures to combat overtourism in Mount Fuji

The government of Japan has designed a few measures to combat overtourism in one of the country’s most famous attractions: Mount Fuji, specifically the popular Yoshida Trail. Starting on July 1st, the number of visitors on the trail will be limited to 4.000 per day. They will also have to pay a ¥2,000 ($13) fee. Also, the government has forbidden tourists to start climbing the Yoshida Trail between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m as a way to improve the safety of visitors. 

Japan plans on installing a gate at the entrance of the Yoshida Trail, accessible from Tokyo, to collect the entrance tax. 

The idea behind these decisions is to protect the environment of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to use the revenue to help clean up Mt. Fuji. Another goal is to begin construction of shelters along Mount Fuji in case the volcano erupts. 

There was concern amongst government officials because of the massive increase in visitors to Japan’s sacred mountain. Specifically, the concerns were due to trash accumulation and unsafe climbing techniques. 

This announcement comes in the wake of other new tourist taxes. In fact, it is not the only tax you will have to pay to travel to Japan: every tourist is required to pay a departure fee of ¥1,000 (around $8.60).