TOKYO: An online booking system for Mount Fuji’s most popular trail was announced on Monday (May 13) by Japanese authorities trying to fight overtourism on the active volcano.
Japan’s highest mountain has become increasingly crowded during the summer hiking season, raising concerns over safety and environmental damage.
To ease congestion on the Yoshida Trail, the preferred route for most hikers, the Yamanashi region is planning to cap daily entries to 4,000 people, who will be charged US$13 each.
But to address some climbers’ fears that they will be rejected once the daily limit is reached, this year online bookings will also be introduced for the first time.
The system will guarantee people entry through a new gate, “allowing them to plan ahead”, Katsuhiro Iwama, an official from the Yamanashi regional government, told AFP.
Online bookings open on May 20 for the July to September hiking season. Each day at least 1,000 places will be kept free for on-the-spot entry.
