To manage overcrowding and the negative impact of mass tourism, Japanese authorities want to introduce an online reservation system for access to Mount Fuji's main sightseeing route. This move aims to combat overtourism and protect the natural beauty of the region, according to AFP, cited by Agerpres.
Mount Fuji choked with tourists – Photo Shutterstock
In the summer, more and more tourists hit the trails of Japan's highest mountain massif, raising concerns about the impact on the environment.
To reduce crowding on the Yoshida Trail, a favorite with visitors, Yamanashi Prefecture will limit the number of visitors per day to 4,000 people on Mount Fuji, imposing an entrance fee of 12 euros.
Specifically, an online reservation system will be implemented, which will allow visitors “she plans in advance” hike, said Katsuhiro Iwama, a representative of the local government in Yamanashi.
Online bookings for the July to September trekking season will open on May 20. However, at least 1,000 tickets will be available daily on site. Mount Fuji, at an altitude of 3,776 meters, remains covered in snow almost all year round, attracting over 220,000 visitors during the summer.
Foreign tourists flock to the regions near Mount Fuji in large numbers to photograph the peak of this famous volcano. Local communities are disturbed by the waste left behind by visitors. In Fujikawaguchiko, authorities erected a tall palisade to block the view, hoping to discourage tourist crowds.
In March of this year alone, more than 3 million foreign tourists visited Japan, marking an unprecedented monthly record for the country. This is a clear sign of the return of international tourism after the period when Japan remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with the problem of excessive tourism and the negative impact on the environment, the authorities in Venice recently took a similar measure. A €5 entrance fee has been introduced to the Italian city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative aims to discourage overcrowding and help protect the beauty and integrity of the city.
