Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan - July 1, 2024

New measures have been introduced to ease congestion and prevent unsafe climbing on one of the most popular trails of Mount Fuju, Japan's tallest mountain.

Tourism to the mountain has become increasingly popular thanks to a cheaper yen and social media hype, but its popularity has become burden on the mountain, marked by the dangers of overcrowding near the summit and increased environmental impact.

One such case of overcrowding near the summit occurred last year. Officials say many hikers were unprepared for the harsh conditions of the nearly four-thousand-meter heights.

In order to keep hikers safe, the local government has introduced an entrance fee for the Yoshida trail, the mountain's most popular and commonly used route, and those who are planning to climb beyond the 5th Station, a popular sightseeing spot, will now be required to pay a fee of 2,000 yen (about 12.42 U.S. dollars) at the booth near its entrance. Both cash and credit cards will be accepted.

Surprisingly, the cost has not deterred hikers as many say that they are happy to pay.

The new measures aren't limited to the entrance fee as the local government has also started to cap the number of daily hikers to 4,000 and restrict access to the popular trails to between 16:00 to 3:00.

In addition to overcrowding on the mountain, the Yamanashi Prefecture has also been struggling to adapt to the surge of tourists off the mountain as a growing number of visitors have been frequenting a Lawson convenience store in the town of Kawaguchiko, spurred by social media to photograph the Mount Fuji backdrop.

In response, the local government erected a black screen to block the view and deter Tiktokers. However, visitors responded by ignoring the cautionary signs and ripping holes in the screen.

Experts believe that the tax will be a more effective measure, reducing crowding without overburdening hiking enthusiasts.

Shotlist:
Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan - July 1, 2024:
1. Various of Shinto costumed characters cutting rope to open Mt Fuji;
2. Various of hikers;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) hiker (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 4):
"If it maintains the mountain, so there'll be people who look after us, if the 2,000 yen helps towards that, I'm happy to pay."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
4. Hikers;
5. Official with yellow wrist bands checking
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
6. SOUNDBITE (English) hiker (name not given):
"It's challenging because it creates a barrier for folks' access to this but I'm generally in supportive of supporting our parks in the U.S., so a similar logic applies I think.";
7. Hikers;
8. Various of officials with yellow wrist bands checking;
9. Buildings, Mount Fuji;
10. Various of visitors in front of convenience store;
11. Various of black screen;
12. Sign reading "Do not run out into the roadway";
Tokyo, Japan - July 3, 2024
13. SOUNDBITE (English) John Melvin, professor of Tourism Studies and Marketing, Hosei University (starting with shot 11):
"By introducing a visitor tax or increasing prices in some way, that can not scare off but can discourage less serious or less mindful visitors.";
Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan - July 1, 2024
14. Various of hikers, workers.

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