New Climbing Toll for Mt. Fuji

YAMANASHI, Mar 05 (News On Japan) - Starting this summer, a 2,000 yen toll will be required for climbing Mount Fuji.

An ordinance mandating a 2,000 yen toll for using the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Mount Fuji was unanimously passed and enacted today in the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly.

There has been a growing concern over the increase in accidents caused by climbers attempting "bullet climbing," where they aim for the summit overnight without reserving a mountain hut.

The ordinance is scheduled to be enforced from July, and from July 1st, a gate set up at the fifth station will be closed to passage from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. the following morning, requiring a payment of 2,000 yen at the gate.

This aims to prevent "bullet climbing," where climbers ascend overnight without reserving a mountain hut, aiming for the sunrise at the summit. Additionally, by limiting the number of climbers to a maximum of 4,000 per day, the ordinance seeks to alleviate congestion.

The cost per person, combined with the optional 1,000 yen entry fee, will be up to 3,000 yen, which will be used for congestion relief and safety measures.

Source: FNN

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Researchers Uncover Layout of 7th-Century Imperial Ritual Site in Asuka

Archaeologists have uncovered new details about the remains of an ancient building in Nara Prefecture’s Asuka area, believed to have been used by emperors for imperial ceremonies more than 1,300 years ago.

Rare Spoonbill Sighted in Okinawa’s Nago City

A rare migratory bird seldom seen in Okinawa has become the talk of the town after appearing in Nago City. The bird, identified as a spoonbill, was spotted along the Nasada River in the city’s Kogachi district.

Your Next Travel Destination: Kvareli Lake Resort in the Heart of Georgia

Georgia is a small country between Europe and Asia, known for its beautiful nature, rich history and warm hospitality. From high mountains to green valleys, from old churches to modern cities, Georgia offers something for every traveler.

New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Preserving Hokkaido’s Lost Wartime Bridge

Local authorities in Shari, a town in Hokkaido, are seeking donations to preserve and promote an old Japan National Railways bridge that has been registered as a national tangible cultural property.

Heian-Era Tenpyo Procession Visits Todaiji Temple

The Tenpyo Procession, in which participants don splendid period costumes and visit Todaiji Temple, was held in Nara on November 3rd. The event commemorates Emperor Shomu, who commissioned the construction of the Great Buddha, and Empress Komyo, known for her devotion to Buddhism.

Osaka Festival of Lights 2025 Kicks Off

The opening ceremony of the annual Osaka Festival of Lights was held on November 3rd along Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, transforming the city’s nightscape with dazzling illuminations as trees lining the boulevard glowed with countless lights.

Autumn Foliage Peaks at Nikko’s Irohazaka

Autumn foliage has reached its peak along the Irohazaka winding road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where maple, beech, and azalea trees are glowing in shades of red and yellow as streams of cars carrying tourists move slowly up the scenic route.

< 2 3 4 5 >