Tourists Flock to Mount Fuji for Autumn Foliage, With Increased Focus on Safety

Published on November 21, 2025

Every autumn, many tourists, both international and local, flock to Mount Fuji to witness the breathtaking seasonal foliage around the mountain and the rich, multi-colored forests that hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers travel far distances to see. For many, the combination of the mountain’s beauty and the rich, multi-colored forests represents the true symbol of Fuji. It is most unfortunate that the mountain’s beauty is now accompanied by warnings of increased bear activity. Authorities have opened emergency protocols to warn tourists.

Mount Fuji is a world heritage site and a travel icon of Japan. For many, the autumn alpine palette is one of the most contrasting and beautiful periods to travel. The autumn season (the period of colorful forests): late September to early November. The period of colorful forests is capped with the stunning contrast of the colourful leaves, and Fuji is gifted with beautiful forest hues in that period. Unfortunately, there has been an increased number of bear attacks seen and reported around the country in that period. Safety concerns in bear activity have and will continue to impact the tourism season at Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji’s Autumn Colours: A Tourist Attraction

Mount Fuji’s autumn foliage colors are a sight to behold, drawing many diff seasonal tourists. Autumn leaves viewing, known so aptly as koyo, is a cultural phenomenon in Japanese society. Koyo with Mount Fuji in the background is one of the most photographed autumn koyo viewing spots in the country. Mount Fuji, Fujigoko region with its picturesque foliage and mountain views, is surrounded by picturesque lakes, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanakako, and Lake Saiko. Fuji is famous for its autumn koyo.

Locations fall foliage views with Japanese maples, ginkgo, cherry blossom trees are something else. They are beautiful. Koyo tourists enjoy a variety of other activities such as hiking, lake boat tours, and cafes with views of the mountain. Those who want to experience the mountain’s koyo firsthand may enjoy the seasonal pleasures of a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths, around the Fuji Five Lakes.

Visitor Safety and Increased Bear Activity

The striking autumn shades of Mount Fuji continue to enchant travellers; however, in Japan, the rise in bear activity has become a cause for worry. Bear encounters and aggression have been reported in rural and mountainous regions, including the Yamanashi Prefecture surrounding the Mt. Fuji area, prompting authorities to warn hikers and tourists of the need to exercise extreme care in the mountainous wilderness.

Japanese authorities, while tracking bear activity, have taken measures to ensure the visitors’ safety. Local tourism operators have also been asked to inform travelers of the risks and of the necessary safety precautions they should take. These include precautions against bear encounters as well as hiking safety techniques, such as avoiding bear surprises by making loud noises and carrying bear deterrents.

Authorities also ask visitors to limit their use of wilderness to developed pathways and to refrain from using the wilderness during the early morning and late evening when bear activity is high. Safety measures below have also prompted some bear-proofing in popular tourist locations and accommodations in the Fuji Five Lakes, the area seeing a lot of bear activity.

Mount Fuji Wildlife Safety and Camping Technology

As a result of the spike in bear activity, local authorities, environmental and bear specialists, and tourism operators have newly collaborated to ensure that an increasing volume of tourists to Mount Fuji remain safe and that the local wildlife is unthreatened. Educational outreach and bear awareness signage have been placed in and around the area of bear habitats and wildlife tourists hotspots to make visitors cognizant of the presence of bears and educate them about proper bear encounter etiquette.

Local guides are being instructed in bear habitat bears and autumn landscape tourism etiquette. Promoting earth-friendly tourism is essential to support the implementation and retention of the balance needed to ensure the area is a culturally and naturally attractive tourist destination to Japan and the world.

While the increased bear activity has caused concern, Mount Fuji remains one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Japan. The stunning vista, an abundance of activities, and engaging culture make Mount Fuji a top historical and natural tourist destination. The region, to ensure the wildlife and tourists are safe, and to continue attracting tourists and educational initiatives, has implemented safety measures and is prioritising the safety of tourists in the region.

Soon, Mount Fuji will transition into winter, providing a stunning backdrop for skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts. Although winter sports activities will begin, Mount Fuji will continue to operate under bear activity monitoring, control bear safety protocols, and bear tourism safety control protocols with regard to community safety. These activities continue to provide a tourism opportunity.

Conclusion

Fuji Autumn continues to attract tourism for its natural tourism beauty for culture, nature, and outdoor activities. Mount Fuji offers remarkable views, and its culture is significant. Safety advisories prompted by bear activities are understandable. However, autumn views and bear safety activities, cultural views, and respect for nature, and safety activities poising safety bear tourism wildlife to enjoy autumn views can continue to attract tourism activity for the Autumn season. Autumn views can continue to attract tourism activity for Mount Fuji during the winter tourism season. Mount Fuji is a top tourism destination during the winter season and offers its travelers the unforgettable experience of its iconic winter views.