The 2025 Mount Fuji climbing season concluded on September 10, 2025, for four main trails, the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails.
Key details for the 2025 climbing season:
Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi Prefecture: Opened on July 1 and closed on September 10 at 6:00 p.m.
Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya Trails in Shizuoka Prefecture: Opened on July 10 and closed on September 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Problem: A surge in climbers, particularly international tourists, caused overcrowding, litter, and strain on facilities. The majority of them are those who choose it for their first climbing experience.
Safety Concerns: Climbing during the closed season is dangerous due to extremely low temperatures and the closure of mountain huts and toilets.
New for 2025: In addition to the traditional closures, new climbing restrictions, registration requirements, and a 4,000-yen toll fee were implemented for all routes to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
A new permanent torii-style gate has been installed on the Yoshida Trail to monitor climbers and ensure the fee is paid.
Environmental and Cultural Preservation: New rules in 2025 aim to protect the mountain’s fragile environment and cultural integrity by ensuring climbers are prepared and aware of trail etiquette.
Yet, numerous incidents, including accidents and near-misses, occurred during the climbing season, with a significant number attributed to a lack of experience and preparedness among climbers, especially beginners. Key causes included getting lost, falls, altitude sickness, and hypothermia, all exacerbated by insufficient planning and inadequate gear. Authorities implemented new safety measures, such as mandatory safety studies and online reservations, but many climbers continued to face dangers due to a lack of fundamental climbing knowledge and failure to submit climbing plans.
A guide to climbing Mount Fuji:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6901.html
https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html
https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/climbing-season/climbing-season.html