New Mount Fuji Rates 2026: Reservation Methods and Entry Fees
Mount Fuji remains a primary magnet for hikers and tourists visiting Japan. However, to preserve the natural environment and control the excessive overcrowding of hikers, the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectural governments have implemented stricter regulations and adjusted entry fees starting from the 2026 climbing season. This step was taken to ensure the safety of hikers and reduce the impact of environmental damage on this iconic climbing route.
1. Details of the Yoshida Trail Entry Fee
For those of you planning to hike via the Yoshida Trail, which is the most popular route in Yamanashi Prefecture, a mandatory fee of 2,000 yen per person will be charged. This is a compulsory fee that is separate from the voluntary 1,000 yen environmental conservation donation usually requested at the climbing stations. Consequently, the total cost that each hiker needs to prepare is at least 3,000 yen.
The funds collected from these entry fees are allocated toward the construction of safety infrastructure along the hiking trails. This includes the maintenance of emergency facilities, providing medical personnel at specific posts, and building protective walls to anticipate any unexpected volcanic activity. Tightening these costs also aims to screen hikers so they are better prepared and equipped with adequate gear.
2. Online Reservation System and Daily Quota Limits
One of the most significant changes in 2026 is the requirement to make an online reservation before starting your hike. The government has set a maximum daily quota of 4,000 hikers for the Yoshida Trail. This reservation system opens several months before the climbing season begins, usually around May, and can be accessed through the official Mount Fuji climbing portal.
Hikers are required to choose a climbing date and pay the entry fee in advance through the system. Once the payment is successful, the hiker will receive a QR code that must be presented at the climbing entrance gate (5th Station). If the quota for the chosen day is full, tourists will not be allowed to start their climb. This measure is highly effective in preventing the mass crowding on narrow paths that frequently occurred in previous years.
3. Rules Prohibiting Bullet Climbing
In addition to issues regarding fees and reservations, the Japanese government is now very strict in banning the practice known as bullet climbing. This practice refers to hikers who attempt to reach the summit without staying overnight or resting at a mountain hut to catch the sunrise. Starting in 2026, the climbing entrance gate will be closed between 4 PM and 3 AM for those who do not have proof of a mountain hut reservation.
This rule is enforced for health reasons, as climbing without rest increases the risk of altitude sickness and accidents due to extreme exhaustion. For tourists who still wish to see the sunrise from the summit, it is highly recommended to book a spot in a mountain hut well in advance along with the mountain entry reservation. Without a hut booking, officers at the entrance gate will not permit hikers to begin their journey during the night.
4. Preparation Before Climbing in the New Season
Given the increasingly strict regulations, trip preparations for Mount Fuji must now be made much earlier. Ensure that you constantly monitor the official website to check the daily quota status so you do not run out of slots. Besides the entry fee, prepare an additional budget for mountain hut accommodation, as prices also tend to undergo adjustments following the inflation trends in Japan's tourism sector.
Use climbing equipment that meets international standards because officers at the checkpoints have the authority to provide warnings or prohibit hikers considered physically or equipment-unprepared. By following these new rules, you are not only contributing to maintaining the pristine nature of Mount Fuji but also ensuring your own safety while conquering the highest peak in the Land of the Rising Sun.
