Helicopter Rescues on Mt. Fuji to Incur Fee

Sep 14, 2026 | News On Japan

YAMANASHI - Climbers who get into trouble on Mount Fuji during the official closed season could be charged for rescue by disaster-prevention helicopters under new safety measures being considered by Yamanashi Prefecture.

The prefectural government plans to strengthen measures against climbing accidents by requiring anyone ascending above the sixth station during the closed season to submit a climbing notification.

Authorities would also be able to recommend changes when they determine that a climbing plan is inadequate.

Yamanashi is considering introducing charges for rescues carried out by prefectural disaster-prevention helicopters, with one proposal setting the fee at around 8,000 yen for every five minutes of rescue operations.

Over the seven years through 2025, 21 climbing accidents occurred on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji during the closed season, resulting in four deaths.

The prefecture is moving ahead with revisions to its ordinance and aims to introduce the new system from September 2027.

Officials are urging people to refrain from climbing Mount Fuji while the mountain is officially closed.

Source: FNN

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