[Sunday Culture] Popularity of Climbing Mt. Fuji Only in Summer... Influx of Climbers Causes Headaches

A Sacred Mountain Worshiped Since Ancient Times
Overwhelmed by Trash as Visitors Flock

Just as South Korea has Hallasan, Japan's highest and most famous mountain is undoubtedly Mount Fuji. As the summer climbing season for Mount Fuji begins, Japanese media are also reporting many news stories about the mountain.

Mount Fuji is not just a place for climbing; it holds significant historical and cultural meaning within Japan. Recently, Mount Fuji has been struggling with the influx of climbers. Starting with news related to Mount Fuji, today we will share stories about the overall significance of Mount Fuji in Japan.

Mount Fuji viewed from Lake Tanuki.

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Japan. It was formed by an underwater volcanic eruption about 23 million years ago, with repeated eruptions building the mountain over time. Since the last magma eruption at the summit crater 22 million years ago, there have been no eruptions there. Although an eruption was observed in another part of the mountain in 1707, there have been no eruptions since, and Mount Fuji is currently classified as a dormant volcano.

Like many high mountains, Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak and clouds give it a mystical aura. For this reason, Mount Fuji has long been regarded in Japan with reverence and worship.

During Japan’s prehistoric Jomon period, Mount Fuji was an active volcano. In Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is located, archaeological sites believed to be ancient ritual grounds have been discovered. People likely saw the boiling lava and fiery volcanic eruptions as signs that “the gods were angry.” Furthermore, after a major eruption in 864, shrines were built near Mount Fuji to appease the volcano.

Today, Mount Fuji is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. The climbing season to reach the summit runs only from early July to early September. This year, climbing is permitted until September 10. Outside of this period, climbing is restricted, and visitors can only explore the lakes or waterfalls at the mountain’s base.

There are usually four main climbing routes, with the most popular being the Yoshida Trail starting from Yamanashi Prefecture. It is favored because buses run from Tokyo to the trailhead. Climbing nonstop to the summit on this route takes about six hours, and descending takes about four hours. Most climbers spend a night at a mountain hut midway, making it a two-day climb.

Climbers ascending Mount Fuji. (Photo by NHK)

However, as climbers from around the world flock to Mount Fuji, the mountain is suffering. Before Mount Fuji was registered as a World Heritage site 25 years ago, it was even called “the dirtiest mountain in the world” within Japan. During the two-month climbing season, climbers left behind 510 tons of trash annually. In some places, trash piled up along the trails, causing serious problems.

Although efforts to improve the situation seemed successful after Mount Fuji’s World Heritage registration in 2013, recent reports indicate that the problem is recurring. With travel resuming after COVID-19 and this year marking the 10th anniversary of Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage status, the number of climbers has surged beyond manageable levels.

Mountain hut reservations for overnight stays are already fully booked, and some climbers attempt nonstop two-day climbs without rest, leading to accidents such as dehydration. Others cause inconvenience to fellow climbers by sleeping in restrooms. Local governments are struggling to manage these issues.

Trash abandoned on Mount Fuji in the early 2000s. (Photo by Ministry of the Environment, Japan)

Amid growing concerns about a possible eruption of Mount Fuji raised recently, local governments are on high alert. In response, Yamanashi Prefecture announced that starting from the 11th, it will implement regulations to control the number of climbers on the Yoshida Route if overcrowding occurs. This is the first-ever such regulation.

Additionally, plans to build a tourist railway around Mount Fuji have sparked controversy, leading to numerous debates surrounding the mountain.

Nature itself is silent, but it is unfortunate that people are causing problems. Hopefully, this year’s climbing season will conclude safely with a harmonious coexistence between Mount Fuji and its climbers.