Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Route implements e-ticket reservations to control overtourism

As overtourism continues to plague various regions in Japan, Yamanashi Prefecture has adopted an e-ticket reservation system for the Yoshida Route on Mt. Fuji. This initiative, driven by the increased congestion and environmental impact caused by a surge in visitors, aims to streamline the climbing experience and preserve one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

Starting this summer, from July 1 to September 10, climbers will need to reserve their passage on the Yoshida Route through the new system. The plan includes time restrictions from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. and a daily limit of 4,000 climbers. A passage fee of 2,000 yen per person will also be collected to support conservation efforts and manage the flow of visitors.

The new system comes in response to growing concerns over the impact of overtourism on Mt. Fuji. The Yoshida Route alone saw 137,236 climbers during the last season, leading to excessive congestion, environmental degradation, and decreased visitor satisfaction. Additionally, rule violations such as bullet climbing, inappropriate attire, and campfires on the trail have raised safety concerns and diminished the area’s tourism value.

The e-ticket system, developed to facilitate these regulations, offers seamless management of reservations, pre-payment, and ticket issuance. Climbers can purchase their e-tickets in advance through a multilingual platform available on the official Mt. Fuji climbing website from May 20. Upon arrival at the Yoshida Trail 5th Station, climbers will scan the QR code on their e-tickets to pass through.

This initiative is not just about regulating the number of visitors, but also represents efforts to enhance the overall climbing experience while preserving Mt. Fuji’s natural beauty. By leveraging technology, the system ensures smoother operations and contributes to sustainable tourism practices.It exemplifies how thoughtful regulation and technological integration can create a balanced approach to tourism, ensuring that natural wonders like Mt. Fuji remain pristine for future generations.