The Fujinomiya and Gotemba routes on Mount Fuji officially opened for climbers on July 10, 2026 [3].

Local officials are implementing stricter oversight to prevent accidents and reduce the burden on emergency services. The move comes as the region seeks to mitigate the risks associated with inexperienced hikers attempting the 3,776-meter peak [2].

Fujinomiya Mayor Hidetada Sudo said that people without proper equipment or experience cannot be allowed to climb. He said that local emergency and fire departments bear the brunt of the hardship when accidents occur, stating, "It is no joke."

While the Fujinomiya and Gotemba routes opened today, the Subashiri route opened earlier this month on July 1 [4]. In total, three routes on the Shizuoka side are now open [5].

Authorities are emphasizing a divide between casual tourists and prepared hikers. Sudo said that professional climbers who submit the required notifications and possess the correct gear are permitted to ascend [6]. This stance aims to curb the rise in distress calls from those with insufficient gear.

Managing the crowds remains a significant challenge for the prefecture. Last summer, the number of climbers on Mount Fuji reached approximately 205,000 people [1]. The high volume of traffic increases the likelihood of altitude sickness, and exhaustion among those who ignore safety guidelines.

Local rescue teams have frequently dealt with climbers wearing inadequate clothing or lacking essential supplies. By barring those who are clearly unprepared, the city intends to ensure that the safety of both the hikers and the first responders is prioritized during the peak climbing season.

“"It is no joke."”

The shift toward barring unprepared climbers reflects a growing tension between Mount Fuji's status as a global tourist attraction and the operational limits of local emergency services. By shifting the responsibility of readiness strictly onto the climber, Shizuoka officials are prioritizing the sustainability of rescue resources over open access, signaling a more restrictive era for amateur trekking on the mountain.