Mount Fuji Sees forty-four percent Drop in Stranded Climbers in 2025 Due to Stricter Climbing Regulations

Published on October 16, 2025

Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic highest peak, has experienced a marked decrease in the number of climbers getting stranded during the 2025 season, thanks to the implementation of stricter rules aimed at ensuring the safety of hikers. According to local police, the number of climbers requiring rescue from the Shizuoka Prefecture side fell by forty-four percent compared to the previous year, with no fatalities reported. The decrease in rescue cases is attributed to measures introduced by local authorities to combat reckless climbing.

From July through September 2025, around eighty-four climbers used the Shizuoka Prefecture’s trails to ascend Mount Fuji, a substantial figure. However, only thirty-six climbers required assistance during this period, a sharp decline from sixty-four climbers in the 2024 season, six of whom tragically lost their lives.

Mount Fuji’s New Rules for Safer Climbing

The iconic Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, had faced mounting challenges related to climbers’ safety, including incidents involving “bullet climbing.” This dangerous practice involved climbers attempting to reach the peak, standing at three thousand seven hundred seventy-six metres, without taking the necessary rest breaks at designated trailside huts. Additionally, climbers were often ill-prepared for the harsh conditions, wearing inappropriate clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, and sandals.

To address these issues, Shizuoka Prefecture introduced tougher measures in 2025, including doubling the entrance fee to four hundred yen (Sthirty-four usd) for access to the mountain’s trails. Another crucial regulation was the prohibition of entry to the trails between 2 pm and 3 am, unless climbers had reserved a spot at one of the mountain lodges. These regulations were designed to reduce the number of unprepared hikers and prevent dangerous behaviours such as attempting to scale the peak without proper gear.

Impact of Stricter Rules on Safety

These measures have yielded significant improvements. Yamanashi Prefecture, which has one of the four climbing routes to Mount Fuji, also implemented the same set of rules in 2024. This initiative has led to a noticeable reduction in the number of rescue operations on the Yamanashi side, according to local reports. However, concerns remain about accidents occurring outside the designated climbing season, with certain incidents still making headlines despite the safety protocols in place.

Authorities highlighted the challenge posed by foreign tourists visiting during the closed season, when climbing is restricted. For example, in April 2025, a Chinese university student had to be rescued by helicopter after falling ill near the summit. The student had returned to the mountain to retrieve a smartphone left behind, only to encounter worsening health and the need for a second rescue.

Accidents Outside the Climbing Season

Though the mountain’s climbing season typically runs from July to September, accidents have been reported during the off-season. In June 2024, three Japanese men in their thirties and fifties were found dead near the crater of Mount Fuji. This tragic incident occurred after they had attempted to climb the mountain when it was closed for the season. Such cases underscore the risks associated with those attempting to scale the peak without guidance or preparation outside the official climbing period.

In another incident, a US national in his sixties had to be rescued from Mount Fuji in 2025 after suffering hypothermia when visiting the mountain in the off-season. This rescue, along with the tragic deaths of the three Japanese climbers, highlights the ongoing challenges Japan faces in ensuring climber safety during the off-season.

The Role of Local Authorities in Enhancing Safety

Local authorities in both Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures have been proactive in raising awareness about the risks of reckless climbing and encouraging tourists to adhere to Mount Fuji’s safety regulations. The stricter measures, along with ongoing education campaigns, are part of Japan’s broader efforts to ensure that the tourism sector remains safe and sustainable, particularly in areas with high visitor traffic like Mount Fuji.

In addition to these regulations, signage and guidelines are provided to inform climbers of proper gear requirements and climbing procedures. Local police have been actively monitoring the trails to enforce these rules and prevent accidents. This comprehensive approach is aimed at balancing the increasing number of visitors with the need to protect both climbers and the environment.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Safety on Mount Fuji

As Mount Fuji continues to attract visitors from around the world, local authorities remain committed to improving climber safety. The introduction of stricter climbing regulations has proven successful in reducing incidents, but there is still work to be done. Japan’s goal is to maintain Mount Fuji as a safe and accessible destination for all visitors while promoting responsible tourism practices that ensure the preservation of the mountain’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

With these enhanced measures, Mount Fuji has the potential to remain a must-visit destination for mountaineers and casual tourists alike, offering a safer and more enjoyable climbing experience for years to come.