Society

Mt. Fuji to be closed in summer due to coronavirus

May 19 (NHK) - The climbing season for Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, has been cancelled for this year in a bid to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Shizuoka Prefecture officials announced on Monday that the mountain trails leading up to the summit will stay closed throughout the summer.

Shizuoka manages three of the four trails that lead to the peak. The move follows a similar decision by Yamanashi Prefecture. The mountain straddles the two prefectures where the state of emergency was lifted last week.

Mount Fuji rises to 3,776 meters and attracts hundreds of thousands of hikers and tourists during its two-month climbing season, which this year runs from July 10. Mountain lodges and first-aid centers will also be closed.

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