Shizuoka Prefecture officials are entering formal talks to make mountain-rescue services fee-based for climbers on Mount Fuji [1].
The move comes as a record number of foreign visitors have required rescues on the mountain. Local authorities are struggling to manage the surge in emergency operations and the persistent disregard for safety regulations by international tourists.
Many foreign climbers have repeatedly entered the Shizuoka-side trail near the fifth station despite it being officially closed to the public [1, 3]. The official climbing season typically runs for approximately two months, from early July to early September [1]. Outside of this window, the trails are closed to prevent accidents and protect the environment.
To address the cost of emergency operations and deter illegal entry, officials are discussing a proposed rescue-service fee of 4,000 JPY per climber [3]. This financial measure aims to offset the burden on prefecture resources and signal the risks associated with unauthorized climbs.
Violating the trail closure is a serious offense under local law. Those who ignore the bans face penalties of up to six months of imprisonment or a fine of up to 300,000 JPY [1].
Despite these penalties, some tourists continue to attempt the ascent. One foreign climber, who was interviewed after attempting to enter the closed area, said they did not intend to climb a forbidden path and noted that while they love mountain climbing, they did not know much about Mount Fuji specifically [1].
Prefecture officials said the increase in rescues of foreign nationals has reached a record high, necessitating a shift in how the region manages trail safety and emergency funding [1, 2].
“Rescues of foreign visitors have reached a record high.”
The shift toward a paid rescue model reflects a growing tension between Japan's tourism goals and the logistical reality of managing high-risk natural sites. By introducing a fee, Shizuoka Prefecture is moving from a public-service model to a user-pay system, likely intended to force climbers to consider the financial and physical risks of ignoring seasonal closures.
