Mount Fuji faces overcrowding and ecological concerns as visitor numbers soar
Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, has become a bustling and ecologically challenged site, drawing millions of visitors annually. The surge in hikers ascending this renowned volcano, both day and night, has raised alarms among authorities.
The governor of the local region expressed his concerns, stating, «Mount Fuji is screaming.»
Recognized for its religious significance and inspiration to artists, Mount Fuji earned a spot on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2013, securing its status as an internationally acclaimed symbol of Japan.
However, as seen in other popular destinations like Bruges in Belgium or Rio de Janeiro's Sugarloaf Mountain, this designation has brought both blessings and curses.
Between 2012 and 2019, visitor numbers more than doubled, reaching 5.1 million, with Yamanashi prefecture serving as the primary starting point for treks.
Visitors embark on their journeys not only during daylight hours but also at night, forming long lines as they ascend to witness the sunrise. The primary starting point, accessible only by taxi or buses from Tokyo, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) away, welcomes visitors with a complex of restaurants and souvenir shops, along with provisions for snacks and drinks.
However, the facilities rely on diesel generators, and the significant amounts of water they consume must be transported by lorries.
Trucks are also responsible for waste removal, leaving some areas littered with food waste and discarded drink bottles, much to the chagrin of Japanese hiker Yuzuki Uemura, 28.
Local official Masatake Izumi emphasized that the high influx of people heightens the risk of accidents. Climbers ascending at night are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, requiring transport to first
