Mount Fuji Concerns
The serene image of Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, evokes thoughts of natural beauty and tranquility. However, a closer look reveals a concerning reality. Human traffic jams, littered foothills, and ill-prepared hikers attempting the ascent in inappropriate attire have become increasingly common on this iconic mountain. Miho Sakurai, a seasoned ranger patrolling its slopes for seven years, laments the surging numbers of visitors. This article delves into the escalating issue of overtourism on Mount Fuji, highlighting the challenges it poses and potential solutions.
The UNESCO Designation
When Mount Fuji earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2013, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) advised authorities to manage the crowds. However, the situation has worsened. The fifth hiking station, known as “Gogome,” has witnessed a staggering increase in visitors, from two million in 2012 to over five million in 2019, according to the Yamanashi prefectural government. Since the start of the climbing season in July, approximately 65,000 hikers have reached the summit, marking a 17% increase from 2019.
The Post-Covid Surge
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a tourism boom, drawing even more visitors to Mount Fuji. As this iconic site celebrates its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site, concerns mount about the environmental impact, signaling a critical point.
The Impact of Overtourism
Masatake Izumi, an expert on Mount Fuji, emphasizes that overtourism, with its consequences such as waste accumulation, rising CO2 emissions, and reckless hikers, is the most significant challenge facing the mountain. Yasuyoshi Okada, president of ICOMOS Japan, stresses the importance of addressing overtourism to preserve the sacredness of Mount Fuji and its World Heritage status.
The Fifth Station
The fifth station, a midway point on the mountain, receives 90% of visitors, most of whom arrive via buses, taxis, and electric vehicles from Tokyo along the Fuji Subaru Line mountain road. Built six decades ago during Japan’s motorization era, this road provided accessibility. Nowadays, a folk song briefly plays as vehicles pass sensors on the road, a stark contrast to the current crowded reality.
Challenges for Seasoned Hikers
The overcrowding poses particular challenges for experienced hikers. Congestion, traffic jams, and slow ascents have become common, dissatisfying climbers who seek the sunrise at the summit. Some even opt for “bullet climbing,” ascending without proper acclimatization, increasing the risks of altitude sickness and hypothermia.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to protect Mount Fuji have included clean-up activities at the foothills, with volunteers collecting vast amounts of garbage. In a pioneering move, the Fujisan Club uses electric bikes equipped with cameras and AI to patrol and monitor garbage, a world-first initiative.
Proposed Solutions
To enhance the visitor experience and control the crowds, officials have limited daily climbers to 4,000 on the Yoshida trail. However, enforcing this cap remains a challenge. Proposals for change include establishing a booking system for parking and lodges to gain permission to hike Mount Fuji. Additionally, the possibility of a light rail transit system on the Fuji Subaru Line road is under consideration.
Takeaway
Mount Fuji, once celebrated for its natural beauty, now grapples with overtourism’s adverse effects. As the number of visitors continues to surge, there’s an urgent need for proactive measures to protect this iconic landmark. The delicate balance between preserving its heritage and accommodating tourists presents a complex challenge that demands innovative solutions.
