TOKYO, March 17, (V7N) – Hikers planning to climb Mount Fuji will now have to pay an entry fee of 4,000 yen ($27) from this summer, as local authorities move to curb overcrowding and environmental damage.

The new fee applies to all four main trails, doubling last year’s 2,000 yen charge on the popular Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi Prefecture. The neighboring Shizuoka region also passed a bill on Monday, introducing the same fee for its previously free trails.

Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen a surge in foreign tourists post-pandemic, with over 200,000 climbers tackling its slopes last year. Officials say restrictions, including daily entry caps and online reservations, are needed to protect both hikers and the environment.

"Mount Fuji is unique because it sees this massive influx of climbers in just over two months," said Natsuko Sodeyama, a Shizuoka official. "Some restrictions are necessary to ensure safety."

Despite the growing concerns, Mount Fuji remains an iconic destination, drawing visitors eager to experience its breathtaking sunrise and historic significance, immortalized in works like Hokusai's "Great Wave."

END/WD/RH/