The authorities plan to “restrict with the police” visits to Japan’s most famous attraction. Overtourism is back in the Land of the Sun, with local authorities saying on Wednesday that they will limit the number of tourists on the route to the summit of Mount Fuji if it becomes unsafe due to overcrowding.
Information from local media is as follows: The Yoshida Trail, located on the side of a mountain on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, will be limited to 5 stations that can be accessed by car or bus. The trail is expected to be closed on Friday. Moreover, this event will last until the end of this year’s season, which will end on September 10.
“The move comes as Mount Fuji, which spans Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, reopened to an influx of visitors last month after the country lifted all restrictions related to COVID-19. Security guides will patrol the area and provide information to the prefectural government if there is a risk of accidents or falling rocks due to too many tourists,” the media explained. At the same time, the issue of limiting the number of tourists will be resolved through the police.
Another option is also being considered – according to it, tourists will be “slowed down” a little higher – on the route from the 8th station, if their number exceeds 4,000 people. However, workers at mountain lodges along the hiking trails asked for the restrictions to start at the 5th station “due to difficulties in providing rest areas around the summit”.
Note that the route to the top of Mount Fuji traditionally includes 10 stations. So they plan to “brake” tourists in the middle.