Mount Fuji Rescue Costs: Mayor Proposes Fees for Off-Season Hikers

Fujinomiya Mayor Seeks to Recoup Rescue Expenses from Those Ignoring Climbing Season Warnings

The city of Fujinomiya, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, holds a deep sense of pride in its proximity to Japan's iconic peak. However, this proximity has also presented a growing challenge for the city.

Mount Fuji officially has a climbing season, typically spanning from mid-summer to early autumn. Despite warnings from both Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures, which share the mountain, many hikers disregard these guidelines and attempt to climb during the off-season. This frequently results in rescue operations.

When rescues occur on the Fujinomiya Trail of Mount Fuji, the Fujinomiya Municipal Fire Department is responsible for bringing the hikers to safety. Fujinomiya Mayor Hidetada Sudo has expressed frustration with the ongoing situation. During a press conference held on May 9th, Mayor Sudo advocated for new regulations that would mandate off-season hikers to cover the costs of their rescue operations, stating that "They are taking Mount Fuji too lightly."