The Yamanashi prefectural government in Japan announced on Monday that it will introduce online reservations for those embarking on the ascent of Mt Fuji via its popular Yoshida Trail within the prefecture. Entry fees will be collected starting this summer as part of this initiative.

The new system, scheduled to launch at 10 pm on May 20, aims to alleviate congestion at reception areas by allowing climbers to pay a 2,000 yen ($13) fee in advance.

Shizuoka Prefecture, boasting three Mt Fuji trails, will maintain its current conservation fee while considering the introduction of a pre-registration system to track climbers, gather climbing plans, and manage entry effectively

With a daily cap of 4,000 climbers, 3,000 slots will be made available through online booking. Additionally, the local government will permit at least 1,000 visitors to pay fees at the trail’s reception on the day of their climb.

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Reservations can be made via the official website for Mt Fuji climbing until the day prior to the climb. Groups of up to 100 individuals can book at once, with payments accepted via credit card or QR code. Refunds are generally not available.

Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013, Mt Fuji stands at a height of 3,776 meters, serving as Japan’s tallest peak and spanning Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. Climbing season typically runs from July to early September.

This summer, Yamanashi Prefecture will install a gate at the fifth station, or the entrance to the Yoshida Trail, closing the trail from 4 pm to 3 am. However, exceptions will be made for those with prior reservations, who are required to stay overnight in huts to deter bullet climbing, which means to climb throughout the night without taking sufficient rest on the previous day.

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Shizuoka Prefecture, boasting three Mt Fuji trails, will maintain its current conservation fee while considering the introduction of a pre-registration system to track climbers, gather climbing plans, and manage entry effectively.

Contact the writer jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn