Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan urges hikers not to climb Mount Fuji overnight

Mount Fuji

  According to Japan’s Kyodo News, on the 5th, Yamanashi Governor Shomei Yokouchi submitted a written document to the head of the Japan Tourism Agency, Norihiko Ide, requesting an appeal to Mount Fuji hikers not to climb overnight to watch the sunrise. Yokouchi believes that if hikers are physically exhausted, there is a risk of altitude sickness or injury, and it could also lead to congestion on the climbing routes.

  Mount Fuji is expected to be officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site later this month, with visitor numbers projected to rise, prompting the prefecture to strengthen management measures.

  In the joint document signed by the governors of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, they stated that to ensure the safety of climbers, they hope to convey this appeal to every hiker through travel agencies and related organizations. Ide also proposed setting up warning signs at mountain trailheads urging “no overnight climbing.”

  According to Yamanashi Prefecture, Mount Fuji attracts between 350,000 and 400,000 climbers annually. Estimates suggest that over 30% of them climb overnight.