Starting this year, both Shizuoka and Yamanashi, the two central Japan prefectures home to the mountain, will collect 4,000 yen (US$25) per person climbing beyond its fifth stations. - The Japan News photo
FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan: Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, will open for this year's summer climbing season in early July with new fees and restrictions, Jiji Press reported.
Starting this year, both Shizuoka and Yamanashi, the two central Japan prefectures home to the mountain, will collect 4,000 yen (US$25) per person climbing beyond its fifth stations.
Restrictions will be tightened to prevent congestion on mountain trails and eradicate reckless overnight climbs. They include banning entry to the mountain beyond the fifth stations between 2pm and 3am the following day.
An official at a mountain hut operator voiced hopes that the new measures "will help eliminate congestion for mountain-goers and reduce litter."
This year's climbing season will begin on Tuesday (July 1) for the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side of the 3,776-metre mountain, and on July 10 for the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri trails on the Shizuoka side. - Bernama-Jiji Press
