Mount Fuji Climbing Season Opens
Friday, 2026/07/03249 words4 minutes1137 reads
Mount Fuji's climbing season commenced on Wednesday with the opening of two of the four principal hiking trails, as climbers ascending to the summit were greeted by a pristine sunrise emerging through cloud formations at approximately 4:30 a.m. under favorable meteorological conditions.
In response to escalating visitor numbers and persistent congestion issues, Yamanashi Prefecture has strategically deployed two self-service payment kiosks at the 5th station of the heavily trafficked Yoshida Trail. These installations facilitate on-site payment of the 4,000 yen entrance fee, alleviating bottlenecks for climbers who have not completed advance online registration. Concurrently, the Subashiri Trail on the Shizuoka Prefecture side opened earlier than in previous seasons, reflecting adaptive management strategies.
Despite recent environmental challenges—including a magnitude 5.6 earthquake that registered lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in Fujikawaguchiko and twin typhoons approaching Japan—visitor turnout exceeded expectations. Jasper Overall, a 26-year-old international student from Australia, articulated his relief at witnessing the sunrise after harboring doubts about the climb's feasibility due to the typhoon.
Statistical data from the previous season reveals divergent trends: climbers utilizing the three Shizuoka trails declined 6.1 percent to 84,032, while the Yoshida Trail experienced a 5.4 percent increase to 121,068. Both prefectures have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address concerns regarding inadequately prepared hikers and the influx of international visitors. Mount Fuji, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, will maintain accessibility through September 10, with the volcanic alert remaining at Level 1—the lowest tier indicating potential for increased activity.
