Cost To Climb Mt Fuji Doubles And Hikers To Pass Test Before Getting On The Trail In 2025

Cost To Climb Mt Fuji Doubles For Hikers

Visiting Mt.Fuji has recently undergone significant changes regarding access fees.

Traditionally, hiking this iconic mountain was free, with only a voluntary donation option of 1,000 yen (approximately $6.80). However, as of the start of the summer climbing season in 2024, new tolls have been introduced.

• Yamanashi Prefecture has established a toll of 2,000 yen for those using its trails, while still encouraging the voluntary donation. They have implemented a system where gates at the trailhead restrict access from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. without a reservation for mountain hut accommodations.
• Shizuoka Prefecture, the other jurisdiction for climbing Mt. Fuji, has also begun its toll system. Effective March 17, 2025, a 4,000-yen fee will be charged for hikers accessing the trails in Shizuoka. Similar to Yamanashi’s regulations, Shizuoka enforces gate hours between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. for those without prior reservations at mountain huts.

This significant price adjustment means that climbing fees have effectively doubled, now amounting to 4,000 yen regardless of the starting trail.

Both prefectures have ceased requesting the previous 1,000 yen donation. There remains some ambiguity about whether traversing from one prefecture to another will necessitate paying separate tolls.

   

A primary goal behind these tolls seems to be managing crowd levels on the trails while enhancing safety for climbers.

The introduction of the fees is anticipated to yield substantial revenue for local governments. The motivations are less about inflation of consumer goods and more about effective trail management.

Hiking Mt. Fuji is popular among international travelers, and with favorable currency exchange rates, the new charges may not deter many from attempting the climb.

Domestic travelers, on the other hand, might find 4,000 yen per person to be a notable expense.

Key Points:

• Toll Introduction:
• Yamanashi: 2,000 yen starting in 2024.
• Shizuoka: 4,000 yen beginning summer 2025.
• Access Restrictions:
• Yamanashi: No entry from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. without reservation.
• Shizuoka: No entry from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m. without reservation.
• Safety Measures:
• Shizuoka mandates pre-hike educational sessions on safety and environmental protection.
• Hikers must pass a safety comprehension test prior to ascent.
• Revenue Generation:
• Enhanced control over trail usage anticipated to bring in government revenues.

Also Read:

Evacuation Guidelines for Major Eruption of Mount Fuji: Essential Steps for Safety

Beginner’s Guide To Climbing Mount Fuji