Mount Fuji’s Overtourism Challenge
Amidst the serene grandeur of Mount Fuji’s towering presence lies a growing concern—Mount Fuji’s Overtourism. This once-pristine natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, now grapples with the repercussions of its own popularity. In this article, we delve into the challenges posed by the surging crowds, environmental impacts, and the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between tourism and preservation on Mount Fuji.
UNESCO’s Heritage Status and Growing Concerns
Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013 raised concerns about effective crowd management. Visitor numbers at the fifth station skyrocketed from two million in 2012 to over five million in 2019, according to Yamanashi prefectural government data.
Overtourism Escalates Post-Covid
Since the commencement of this year’s climbing season in July, approximately 65,000 hikers have conquered the peak, marking a 17% increase from 2019. A post-Covid tourism surge is causing detrimental environmental consequences.
Experts Raise Alarm on Overtourism
Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi government official and expert, pinpoints overtourism as the most pressing issue, leading to environmental degradation, elevated CO2 emissions, and reckless hikers. Yasuyoshi Okada, President of ICOMOS Japan, underscores the urgency of addressing overtourism for preserving Mount Fuji’s sanctity and World Heritage status.
Challenges at the Fifth Station
The fifth station, Gogome, now witnesses hordes of visitors arriving by buses and EVs. Initially accessible via the Fuji Subaru Line road, this spot offered convenience. However, while transitioning to EVs is encouraged, buses continue to multiply.
Strains on Facilities and Experienced Hikers
Mount Fuji’s overcrowding poses challenges to its limited toilet facilities and medical stations. Experienced hikers complain about congestion, extended climbs, and diminishing experiences due to overcrowding.
Preservation Efforts and Proposed Solutions
Efforts have been made to preserve Mount Fuji, with cleanup drives and e-bike patrols. Visitor caps for Yoshida trail aim to enhance the experience, but enforcement remains problematic. Various suggestions include booking systems, light rail transit atop Fuji Subaru Line, and educational train lectures to combat overtourism’s detrimental effects on Fuji-san.
Urgent Action Required
In a nutshell, immediate action is crucial to protect Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan. Overtourism threatens its natural beauty and cultural significance. Mount Fuji’s legacy as a World Heritage site must be safeguarded for generations to come.
