Japan to introduce online booking for Mount Fuji trail
Article of the Week!
Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 💬
People having their photographs taken in front of Japan's Mount Fuji in Gotemba city, Shizuoka prefecture, on Feb 1, 2023. (File photo: AFP/Yuichi Yamazaki)
TOKYO: An online booking system for Mount Fuji's most popular trail was announced on Monday (May 13) by Japanese authorities trying to fight overtourism on the active volcano.
Japan's highest mountain has become increasingly crowded during the summer hiking season, raising concerns over safety and environmental damage.
To ease congestion on the Yoshida Trail, the preferred route for most hikers, the Yamanashi region is planning to cap daily entries to 4,000 people, who will be charged US$13 each.
But to address some climbers' fears that they will be rejected once the daily limit is reached, this year online bookings will also be introduced for the first time.
The system will guarantee people entry through a new gate, "allowing them to plan ahead", Katsuhiro Iwama, an official from the Yamanashi regional government, told AFP.
Online bookings open on May 20 for the July to September hiking season. Each day at least 1,000 places will be kept free for on-the-spot entry.
Mount Fuji is covered in snow most of the year, but in the summer more than 220,000 visitors trudge up its steep, rocky slopes, many climbing through the night to see the sunrise.
Some attempt to reach the 3,776m summit without breaks and become sick or injured as a result.
Tourists are also flocking to surrounding areas to snap the majestic mountain, which is seen as a symbol of Japan but whose popularity is proving a burden to locals.
In one photo spot where Mount Fuji emerges behind a Lawson convenience store, exasperated officials are constructing a huge black mesh barrier to block the view.
People who work and live nearby had complained about mostly foreign tourists trespassing, littering and dangerously crossing the street to get the perfect Instagram post.
Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where in March monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time.
Residents of Kyoto's geisha district have also banned tourists from private alleys after complaints that some were rudely demanding selfies with the kimono-clad entertainers.
What are your thoughts about the measures to reduce tourism impact?
ReplyDeleteTourism is essential for the global economy and cultural exchange, but it also brings challenges like environmental damage and pressure on local communities. To ensure sustainable tourism, several measures can be adopted. Regulating visitor numbers, as done in places like Machu Picchu, helps prevent over-tourism and protect ecosystems. Promoting off-season travel and investing in infrastructure, such as waste management and public transport, spreads visitor impacts more evenly. Encouraging sustainable practices in tourism businesses and using eco-certification programs can reduce environmental footprints. Education campaigns can inform tourists about responsible behavior, fostering respect for local customs and natural habitats. Involving local communities in tourism planning ensures that development meets their needs and protects cultural heritage. - damien
Deletei think it’s a good move because it can decrease over tourism but at the same time it’s q unfair for the tourist/hikers and they’ll also be like kinda 😡
ReplyDeleteDominic (3/2)
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on the measures to reduce tourism impact is a GREAT idea as this will decrease the danger to people around there as people may get hurt when too many people is at Mount Fuji trail causing overcrowding. Even though people may be mad due to the capacity of people around there, at least ur safe :)
I think it is a good action as overcrowding and littering the area is not an ideal thing to do at other people's country as it can destroy the place as well. This restriction can help control the tourist amount and earning money while not affecting the enviroment.
ReplyDeleteKenan- I feel that it is necessary for the government to put board up the view of mount fugi from the street as the overcrowding of tourists in that area. As said in the news, "People who work and live nearby had complained about mostly foreign tourists trespassing, littering and dangerously crossing the street to get the perfect Instagram post." this endangers the tourists and the residents as they might get into accidents. The government should add more measures to prevent tourists from overcrowding in those areas for example, enforcing police in the area, or making it illegal for tourists to enter the area. Although it is a lot, measures need to be taken to prevent future occurrences again.
ReplyDeleteIf i was tha Japan Government I would raise the prices for tourists and make tourist attractions require money to enter! like TourismTax(?) and tourist sites requires an more pricy ticket. Raising prices will discourage people from coming, but also lets you earn an extra money from people that still pay. This may reduce economic impact if there are less tourists, but some tourists will still be willing to pay the expensive fees, which makes up for it (?) suyi3-2
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the decision of booking online, it allows the authorities to efficiently navigate the population in the tourism area, and allows tourists to book ahead so they could have a more flexible time arrangement. I also think leaving a 1000 on-spot reservation is necessary because some people might make an urgent booking in the scenic spot due to sudden schedule change. However, I think the online booking only solves the overcrowding, some inappropriate behaviours and trespassing need more enforcement, supervision and management. I have heard people climbing on top of the Lawson store to get a good shot, resulting in Kawaguchiko blocking the Lawson store by constructing barriers.
ReplyDelete