Mount Fuji Climbing Season

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Japan's Mount Fuji officially started the climbing season with new trail fees and limits on hiker numbers to address overcrowding issues.

Key Points

  • Climbing season officially started with new measures in place
  • Limit of 4,000 climbers per day to address litter, pollution, and crowded trails
  • Tourists inject record sums into national economy but strain facilities
  • Mount Fuji a site of Shinto and Buddhist worship, attracting 300,000 climbers annually
  • Focus on attracting higher spending visitors over sheer numbers

Pros

  • New trail fees and limits on hiker numbers aim to curb overcrowding issues
  • Increased consciousness about the environment and cleanliness among hikers

Cons

  • Strains on facilities for travel and hospitality due to record numbers of tourists
  • Patience of locals tested by overcrowding and traffic hazards