Initiatives of the "Council for Promoting Appropriate Use of Mt. Fuji"
For a safe and comfortable climb of Mt. Fuji
Therefore, due to the proliferation of signs and inconsistent signage, which hindered the provision of appropriate information to users and the formation of a beautiful scenic landscape, the "Mt. Fuji Signage Liaison Council" (now renamed the "Mt. Fuji Appropriate Use Promotion Council," with secretariat located at the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Shizuoka Prefecture) was established in 21. The council has been undertaking various initiatives, starting with the standardization of signs and providing information to climbers, in order to promote safe climbing of Mt. Fuji.
Council's Initiatives
Regarding the "Mount Fuji Climbing Overtourism Countermeasures Package"
This "Mount Fuji Overtourism Countermeasures Package" was compiled to present an overall picture of measures to address overtourism on Mount Fuji, and with the aim of further understanding the current situation and challenges, while also striving to preserve the scenic beauty of the national park and improve visitor satisfaction. The council's member organizations will work together to promote countermeasures for each issue.
Regarding the "Comprehensive Guidelines for Signage on Mt. Fuji"
- We have formulated comprehensive guidelines for signs on Mt. Fuji, including the "Comprehensive Guidelines for Signs on Mt. Fuji," to ensure the appropriate placement and standardization of sign designs. By standardizing, unifying, and providing multilingual signage, we aim to ensure the safety and convenience of visitors, including tourists and climbers from both Japan and abroad, while maintaining and creating an orderly and beautiful scenic landscape.
- The guidelines standardize the following points, so please ensure that when explaining things to climbers, you follow the guidelines consistently.
• Signs are written in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. The language used is consistent across all languages.
Yoshida Toru is yellow
Subashiri Trail is red
Gotemba Trail is green
Fujinomiya Trail is blue- For other details, please refer to the "Comprehensive Guidelines for Signage on Mt. Fuji."
Development of "Guidelines for Ensuring Safety During Mount Fuji Climbing"
While the summer climbing season for Mt. Fuji runs from early July to early September, many climbers attempt to ascend the mountain outside of this period under harsh weather conditions, resulting in numerous accidents every year. Therefore, "Guidelines for Ensuring Safety During Mt. Fuji Climbing (Including the Summer Climbing Season)" have been established to prevent accidents and preserve the natural environment. Our council is working to promote these guidelines by creating leaflets and posters.
The main points of the guidelines are as follows:
- Climbing outside of the summer season is prohibited for climbers who are not fully prepared.
- Outside of the summer mountain climbing season, you must create and submit a "Mountain Climbing Plan."
- Outside of the summer mountain season when mountain toilets are unusable, you must carry a portable toilet, collect your own waste, and take it home with you.
Regarding "Information that should be provided to climbers of Mt. Fuji"
- A notable characteristic of climbers on Mt. Fuji is that a large proportion are novice climbers. Furthermore, the majority of climbers obtain information about their climb from the internet and guidebooks. However, a review of the information provided by these sources revealed that while access information is comprehensive, there is very little information available regarding the fact that it is a national park, rules, manners, or risks such as getting lost or having an accident.
- Therefore, considering that many climbers are beginners, our council has compiled information that should be provided at each stage of the climb—planning, starting, and during the climb—into "Information to be provided to Mt. Fuji climbers."
- The organized information consists of the following five components:
This document lists the fact that it is a national park, the activities that are restricted by law, and the rules and manners for using Mt. Fuji.
Also, matters related to Private Vehicle Restrictions, etc.
④ Information for use
- For first-time hikers, this includes information about mountain huts, toilets, and other facilities they should know beforehand.
⑤ Information on natural, historical, and cultural resources
- Introduction to resources such as the natural and historical/cultural resources of Mt. Fuji, to help you enjoy the rich experience of Mt. Fuji.
- We ask that all entities that provide information about climbing to Mt. Fuji climbers, such as travel agencies, publishers, mountaineering equipment stores, and website administrators, cooperate in promoting safe climbing in accordance with the "Information to be Provided to Mt. Fuji Climbers" compiled by this council.
Efforts so far
Development of the "Program for Promoting Appropriate Use of Mt. Fuji"
In light of the changes surrounding Mt. Fuji, including the submission of the conservation status report for the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage site and the promotion of the National Park Enjoyment Project, as well as the current state and challenges of its use, the Council has formulated the "Mt. Fuji Appropriate Use Promotion Program" to clarify the matters it should address and to promote and strengthen efforts toward the appropriate use of Mt. Fuji. (April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2024)
In 2024, we reviewed the progress of the program, clarified future directions, and decided to continue necessary measures while transitioning to the "Mount Fuji Climbing Overtourism Countermeasures Package."
Distribution of the video "Welcome to Mt. Fuji - For Safe Climbing" to promote safe climbing of Mt. Fuji.
Distribution of DVDs and audio guides (CDs) has ended.
- We create videos (DVDs) for each hiking route that can be shown to hikers on hiking tour buses, at pre-tour briefings, or in stores (approximately 15 minutes per route).
- The content includes information on the characteristics and facilities of each route, points to note, rules and manners, safety precautions for mountain climbing, measures against altitude sickness, and equipment checks performed before departure.
- We are distributing videos created in fiscal year 23 on DVD free of charge, so please use them to provide information to hikers.
- In addition to videos, we also create and distribute audio guides (CDs) that provide a simplified and abridged version of the content.
- If you would like to purchase DVDs or CDs, please contact us at the address below.
Holding of "Mt. Fuji Guidance"
- Since fiscal year 23, this program has been held once a year in the form of informational sessions and workshops for companies that can directly provide information to climbers, such as travel agencies, publishing companies, and mountaineering equipment stores. *This program was not held in fiscal year 30, 2, or later.
- This report covers the realities of Mt. Fuji climbers, the information provision efforts by the council, examples of how the appeal of Mt. Fuji beyond just the sunrise can be rediscovered, and discussions on challenges facing Mt. Fuji.
- Information regarding the annual event will be announced on this website and also through the channels listed below, so please feel free to participate. Please note that in some years, we may not be accepting general participants.
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There was an error in the materials distributed on the day. We apologize and have corrected it.
[Document 3] Page 9 (in the table) "The Sunrise from the Trail" Yoshida Trail
(Incorrect) 8th station
(Correct) 5th station
Contact information for inquiries about our council's activities and information.
Secretariat of the Council for Promoting the Appropriate Use of Mt. Fuji
- Ministry of the Environment Kanto Regional Environment Office Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Management Office
Phone: 0460-84-8727 FAX: 0460-84-9349
- Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism, Culture and Sports Department, Mt. Fuji Tourism Promotion Group
Phone: 055-223-1316 FAX: 055-223-1438
- Shizuoka Prefecture, Sports and Cultural Tourism Department, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Division
Phone: 054-221-3747 FAX: 054-221-3757