Discovering Mount Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Summit

Located on the island of Honshū, the gigantic 3776-metre high volcanic summit of Mount Fuji is not only the tallest mountain in Japan; it has become an instantly recognizable symbol of the country. However, for the first time in 60 years, all hiking trails will be closed simultaneously due to restrictions caused by COVID-19.

Closure of Hiking Trails

Shizuoka Prefecture is responsible for three of the four major routes leading to the summit of Mount Fuji and announced recently that these trails will remain closed throughout the summer period. This decision is part of the ongoing efforts to keep COVID-19 case numbers down and prevent the spread of the disease. Consequently, this popular destination is usually filled with hikers and climbers, with a significant number typically visiting during the sunny season.

Health and Safety Measures

Given the current health situation, this decision aims to mitigate the risk of transmission and infection that could arise as climbers gather in large numbers along the trails. Moreover, the cabins used during the climb would make it extremely difficult to adhere to social distancing measures.

Yamanashi Prefecture has also announced the closure of the Yoshida Trail, the fourth and most popular route to Mount Fuji. According to The Japan Times, this marks the first time since at least 1960, when the Shizuoka Prefectural Government began managing the three routes, that all four routes will be closed during the climbing season.

Visitor Impact and Future Outlook

Previously, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site attracted over 200,000 visitors during last year’s climbing season. While Japan’s number of COVID-19 cases remains low compared to other countries in Europe, with the nation experiencing 16,285 total cases so far, the health and safety of visitors remain a priority.