According to a report by the Japan New Overseas Chinese News Network on September 9, in June 2013, Mount Fuji was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since then, the number of climbers has surged. To protect the mountain's environment, the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka are planning to introduce a "climbing fee" system. Recently, a survey conducted by the two prefectures showed that nearly 80% of climbers support the idea. The two prefectures are now working to officially implement the Mount Fuji climbing fee system by summer 2014.
According to a report by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), to protect the environment of Mount Fuji, Japan is discussing the official introduction of a "climbing fee" system starting in 2014. In response, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures conducted a questionnaire survey among climbers. Nearly 80% agreed with the introduction of the fee system.
In 2013, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures already conducted a 10-day trial fee collection at four climbing entrances of Mount Fuji. Regarding the official implementation of the "climbing fee" system in 2014, the two prefectures surveyed climbers. A total of 3,261 people responded. The survey showed that 78.7% were in favor; only 3% opposed it; and about 15.2% were undecided.
As for the fee amount, 44.6% believed it should be set between "1,000 yen and 2,000 yen"; 14.3% suggested "3,000 yen to 5,000 yen"; and 10.9% favored "2,000 yen to 3,000 yen." Regarding the use of the climbing fees, 46.9% said it should be used for "enhancing garbage disposal"; 30.8% believed it should go to "renovating restrooms"; and 14.8% thought it should be used for "climber safety measures." Moving forward, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures will convene a special committee based on the survey results to finalize the specific system within the year. The two prefectures are committed to officially implementing the Mount Fuji climbing fee system by summer 2014.