Photo/Illutration Mount Fuji (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

KOFU--The annual challenge to climb Mount Fuji became more expensive this season, along with the number of climbers per day sharply curtailed. 

The Yamanashi prefectural assembly unanimously approved an ordinance on March 4 requiring a 2,000 yen ($13.20) toll for climbing Japan's highest peak from the Yoshida trail in the prefecture.

In a regulation to enact the ordinance, the prefecture also plans to limit the number of climbers per day to 4,000. The new rules will go into effect this summer to mitigate congestion.

Climbers will be barred from further going up the route if they don’t pay the toll at a checkpoint installed at the fifth station of the mountain.

Currently, climbers are encouraged to donate 1,000 yen for the maintenance and conservation of the mountain. This donation is voluntary, and officials will continue to request it in addition to the newly introduced climbing toll.

In addition, to prevent “bullet climbing” where hikers aim for the summit overnight without rest or accommodations, entry to the Yoshida trail will be limited at night except for those with reservations at mountain huts.

The prefecture plans to use the toll revenue for the maintenance of the trail.

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