Mount Fuji: off-season climbers to be charged ¥8,000 per 5 minutes of helicopter rescue (from September 2027)

This week's news · Checked 2026-09-16

What happened. Yamanashi Prefecture (the Yoshida trail, the most popular route from Tokyo) has decided to charge ¥8,000 for every 5 minutes a rescue helicopter is in the air to climbers rescued outside the official season who did not submit a climbing plan, or who deviated from it. Anyone going above the 6th Station off-season will have to submit a plan in advance. The prefecture aims to start the system in September next year (2027). The official climbing season is 1 July to 10 September (Japan Today/Kyodo, 15 September 2026). Neighbouring Shizuoka (the southern trails) was consulted but has not announced the same charge.

What it means for you.

• No charge yet for 2026–2027 trips, but other rules already apply: in the 2026 season all trails charged a ¥4,000 climbing fee, the Yoshida trail was capped at 4,000 climbers a day, and trail gates closed 2 pm–3 am for anyone without a hut reservation (Tokyo Cheapo, 2026 season rules); check the 2027 figures on the official site before you go.
• Off-season (after 10 September) the huts and first-aid stations are closed, and the summit can drop below freezing while Tokyo is still 25°C. If you come October–June, enjoy Fuji from the 5th Station, Kawaguchiko or Hakone, not from the summit.
• If you want to climb, come July to early September and book a mountain hut early (they fill 2–3 months ahead).
• Travel insurance: check whether your policy covers mountain rescue costs; most basic policies do not.

For a no-climb Fuji day (5th Station, Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai) from Tokyo, a Muslim-friendly day tour is on Klook: Mt Fuji day tour from Tokyo. For sleeping in Tokyo: [Tokyo hotels for families](/tokyo-hotels-for-families-real-prices/).

Affiliate links may be used; your price does not change. Source: Japan Today (Kyodo), 15 September 2026 (English); The Japan Times, 14 September 2026; 2026 season rules: Tokyo Cheapo, https://tokyocheapo.com/editorial/mt-fuji-overtourism-fees-rules/. Checked 16 September 2026.