Mount Fuji has opened for climbing season — but pay 300 yen first... and get a portable toilet as a bonus.

▲ The most beautiful symbol in the hearts of the Japanese — Mount Fuji. (Photo / fromMount Fuji Summit Fan Page)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Compiled from international news sources

Attention hikers: After resting through the winter, Mount Fuji officially reopened to the public in July. On July 1st, the main entrance on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, “Yoshida Trail,” opened first, drawing countless climbers who waited eagerly at the entry point. However, starting this year (2014), anyone aiming to conquer Japan’s highest peak must pay a climbing fee of 1,000 yen (about NT$295).

Last year, Mount Fuji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to snowfall that begins in September and continues until mid-October, with the snow not melting until June of the following year, the mountain is only open to the public for about two and a half months from July to early September. However, since August is the month when typhoons are more frequent, many climbers who love to challenge famous peaks often choose to go during the early opening period in July.

On the other hand, the climbing entrance on the Shizuoka Prefecture side has not yet fully reopened because heavy snowfall in February left much of the area still covered in snow. It will officially open on July 10th. In addition, since the public toilets at the summit are currently not operational, portable toilets will be distributed free of charge between July 1–9 and September 10–14. Climbers are required to return these portable toilets to the Fifth Station Comprehensive Management Center upon descent.

【Mount Fuji Opening Period】

Yamanashi Prefecture Side — Yoshida Trail Entrance:July 1 – September 14
Shizuoka Prefecture Side — Fujinomiya Trail and Subashiri Trail Entrances:July 10 – September 10