Looking back at Mt. Fuji during its opening period (1)
Mt. Fuji Diary No. 131 (Author: Ministry of the Environment, Fuji Five Lakes Management Office, Active Ranger Naoto Handa)
First snowfall (October 23, 2025, from Fujikawaguchiko Town)
It's already been a month since the first snowfall of the year on October 23rd. Late autumn has truly arrived at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, and there's just over a month left in the year. Time really does fly. At this time of year, it feels wonderful to go hiking in the nearby low mountains in the crisp autumn air and walk while gazing at Mt. Fuji.
Whether you climbed Mt. Fuji this year, are determined to climb it next year, or have decided that "Mt. Fuji is something to be admired from afar," there are all kinds of people out there. But since we're on the subject, I'd like to take this opportunity to look back at the summer climbing season with photos in three parts. I hope you'll join me.
Opening the temple – Praying for safety –
June 30th. I participated in the Fuji-ko Parade held in Fujiyoshida City as a pre-opening celebration for the climbing season, and passed through the straw ring at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. Afterwards, the rope was cut by Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, marking the start of this summer's Fuji climbing season.
On July 1st, the following day, the Fuji Daidai Kagura dance was performed as an offering, and prayers were offered for the safety of all those who climb Mt. Fuji, those who work on Mt. Fuji, and everyone else. It was a truly sobering experience.
The rope cutting by Tajikarao-no-Mikoto (at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine)
Fuji Taidai Kagura Dance (Yamanashi Prefecture Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property)
How has the entry restriction to the mountain changed things?
Restrictions on mountain entry began last summer, and this year, the Hiking Fee (4,000 yen) and the gate closing time of 2 PM have been standardized in both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, making the restrictions even more stringent. As a result, news reports indicate that the number of "bullet climbs" (climbing the mountain without taking the hiking route) has drastically decreased. The photo on the bottom left shows the area in front of a mountain hut during the Obon holiday, when Mt. Fuji is crowded. Outside of this period, you rarely encounter bullet climbers, but during the Obon holidays, many companies and schools are closed, so many climbers from both Japan and abroad head to Mt. Fuji, and some of them are doing bullet climbs.
Because "bullet climbing" carries a high risk of hypothermia and altitude sickness, nighttime entry into the mountains is restricted for the safety of climbers. However, it seems that the true reason for this restriction has not yet been fully communicated. In fact, the bullet climbers on this particular day were shivering from the cold.
While the situation has improved dramatically compared to the chaotic state before the regulations were put in place, I personally felt that there are still challenges to overcome.
A short hiker falls asleep on a bench in front of a mountain hut during the Obon holiday.
Late July: A large crowd waiting for the sunrise
The photo in the upper right shows people waiting for the sunrise on the summit of Mt. Fuji on a weekend in late July. While the climbing restrictions have significantly reduced congestion at the summit, people still climb to see the sunrise, so there is inevitably a "sunrise congestion" and crowding at the top. However, I think manners and order are much better observed than before.
Climbing Mount Fuji has changed dramatically due to the recent restrictions. We hope that improvements will continue so that everyone can enjoy climbing Mount Fuji safely and comfortably.
How was it?
Next time, I'd like to introduce the plants and animals I encountered on Mt. Fuji this year.
looking forward to!!