Japan's Mount Fuji Introduces Paid Reservations for Climbers.

The article focuses on the implementation of a new entry fee and daily visitor cap on the Yoshida Trail, one of the main routes up Mount Fuji in Japan, to address overtourism and its negative impacts. Starting July 1 through September 10, climbers must pay a 2,000 Yen fee and book online in advance to access the trail, which will have a daily limit of 4,000 visitors and controlled gate hours. This system aims to reduce overcrowding, environmental damage, and safety issues, with proceeds supporting trail maintenance, disaster response, and services for foreign hikers. Meanwhile, Shizuoka prefecture, overseeing other Mount Fuji trails, will introduce a pre-registration system without additional fees. Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, has experienced a significant rise in visitors, leading to concerns about environmental degradation and inappropriate behavior on the mountain.