Photo/Illutration Climbers scaling Mount Fuji near the sixth station on the Fujinomiya trail that originated in Shizuoka Prefecture on July 10 (Shigeo Yoshimura)

Mount Fuji opened to climbers using trails originating in Shizuoka Prefecture but fewer people turned out following the introduction of a climbing fee and other restrictions.

Shizuoka prefectural authorities announced that 923 climbers started ascending the iconic peak from the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri trails on July 10, the start of the climbing season there.

Mount Fuji also straddles Yamanashi Prefecture, where the Yoshida trail opened on July 1.

Authorities slapped a 4,000 yen ($ 27.15) climbing fee and other curbs to thwart congestion and dangerous climbing practices on the 3,776-meter peak, the nation’s highest.

The number of climbers tackling the mountain from the Shizuoka side dropped off by approximately 20 percent compared to opening day last year.

The prefectural government requests that climbers learn mountaineering etiquette through a special app in advance so they do not turn up ill-prepared by dressing lightly.

Climbers who turn up between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. are required to show they have an overnight booking at a mountain lodge.

Authorities said 617 climbers used the Fujinomiya trail. The figures for the Subashiri and Gotemba trails were 243 and 63, respectively.

“The number of climbers fell somewhat, but the situation was calm,” Governor Yasutomo Suzuki said at a news conference. “It was a good start.”

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