"Bullet Climbing Has Almost Disappeared" — How Has Mount Fuji Changed in 2025? The Reality of New Rules on the Shizuoka Side and a Guide for the Upcoming Season

1. What Happened to Mount Fuji in 2025 (The "New Norm" on the Shizuoka Side)

From 2025, the three routes on the Shizuoka side (Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri) require "mountain entry procedures" before starting the climb. The key points are as follows:

• Completion of **pre-learning (e-learning)** regarding the conservation and safe climbing of Mount Fuji

• Entry between 2 PM and 3 AM requires a mountain hut reservation (entry during the night restriction zone = requires accommodation)

• Mountain entry fee of 4,000 yen per person per entry (mandatory entry fee based on ordinance)

Meeting the above three conditions allows entry. The Shizuoka side has also clarified that there is no daily limit on the number of people (i.e., no total volume control). The entry procedure is done through the "Shizuoka Prefecture FUJI NAVI" pre-registration system, where you present the QR entry certificate on-site, receive a wristband after authentication, and then enter.Climbing Mount Fuji

Supplement: Pre-registration is operational from May 9, 2025. Unregistered climbers can complete on-site rule learning and entry fee payment at the fifth station of each trailhead.Climbing Mount Fuji

2. Actual Effects—"Bullet Climbing Has Almost Disappeared"

On the closing day, September 10, 2025, the Subashiri trail was closed at 5 PM, marking the end of the season. Mountain hut personnel familiar with the site evaluated it as "bullet climbing has almost disappeared" and "the flow of people was dispersed, making it a better season than ever before." A Shizuoka prefecture official also summarized, "zero fatal accidents within Shizuoka Prefecture" and "we took the first step in regulation." It was reported that the number of entrants was about 3,000 fewer than the previous year as of the end of August, avoiding a significant decline.TBS NEWS DIG

3. Changes on the Yamanashi Side (Yoshida Route) and Differences from the Shizuoka Side

The Yoshida Route (Yamanashi side), based on operations from 2024, continues and adjusts measures such as a daily limit of 4,000 people and no entry after 2 PM except for those with reservations. In 2025, a 4,000 yen climbing (passage) fee is mandatory for everyone, and reservations involve securing a "gate entry slot" (separate from mountain hut reservations). The prohibition of **"No bullet climbing" (overnight climbing without rest in a mountain hut)** is also clearly stated, and non-compliance may result in denied entry.Climbing Mount Fuji

Background: Since the introduction phase in 2024, measures such as a 2,000 yen entry fee, a 4,000 person limit, and nighttime passage restrictions aimed at reducing congestion, accident risks, and environmental impact have gained international attention. In 2025, the system is refined, marking a phase where "safety first" operations are becoming established.Reuters

4. Quick Guide for Foreign Climbers: Steps for the Shizuoka Side

(A) In Advance (Online)

1. Access **FUJI NAVI (Pre-registration)**

2. Register climbing schedule and personal information

3. Pay the 4,000 yen entry fee (via credit card, etc.)

4. Complete e-learning and pass the comprehension quiz (perfect score required for entry certificate issuance)

5. Reserve a mountain hut (mandatory if entering after 2 PM)

(B) On the Day (On-site at the Fifth Station)
6) Show your QR entry certificate via the app → staff will authenticate
7) Receive a wristband and final confirmation of entry rules
8) Start climbing (entry between 2 PM and 3 AM requires a reservation)

Important: The Shizuoka side does not set a limit on the number of people, but entry during the night restriction zone (14:00–3:00) requires accommodation. Completion of pre-learning and payment of the entry fee are also mandatory.Climbing Mount Fuji

5. Model Itinerary (Shizuoka Side 1 Night 2 Days - Safety First Plan)

Example: Subashiri Route (starting from the forest zone, considered less congested)

DAY 1

• 09:00–11:00 Take a bus from Gotemba or Shin-Matsuda to the Subashiri Fifth Station

• 11:00–12:00 On-site authentication, lunch, altitude acclimatization (at least 30–60 minutes to adjust the body)

• 12:00–16:30 Walk slowly from the Fifth Station to the Seventh Station (or Main Seventh Station)

• 17:00–21:00 Stay at a mountain hut (hydrate, consume carbohydrates, and rest. Avoid unnecessary night departures)

DAY 2

• 02:00–05:30 From the mountain hut to the summit (watch the sunrise, but be cautious of crowding and strong winds)

• 06:30–09:30 Kengamine and crater tour (depending on weather and physical condition)

• 09:30–12:00 Descend (prioritize preventing falls on the Subashiri specialty "sand run")

• 13:00– Depart from the Fifth Station → Onsen and return journey

A high level of physical strength is crucial, and altitude acclimatization, replenishment, and sleep are keys to safety. Equipment should be prepared for rain, wind, and low temperatures (even around 0°C).

6. Minimum Equipment and Etiquette (Shortlist)

• Rain gear (separate top and bottom), warm clothing (fleece/down), gloves, knit hat

• Hiking boots (ankle support) and a headlamp (with spare batteries)

• 1.5–2L of water + snacks (with salt and sugar)

• Cash (for toilet fees and payments at huts)

• Take your trash home, protect vegetation, and stay on the trail (for cultural and natural preservation)

• "No bullet climbing" (avoid overnight, non-stop climbing: moving towards prohibition by policy)Climbing Mount Fuji+1

7. Comparison of the 3 Routes (Shizuoka Side)—Which to Choose?

• Fujinomiya Route: Shortest to the summit. Steep climb, a test of endurance. Huts and rescue services are relatively available.

• Gotemba Route: Longest, offering tranquility and dynamic views. Requires endurance and planning.

• Subashiri Route: Begins in the forest zone, relatively spacious with less congestion. Crowds increase after the merge point.

The Shizuoka side does not impose total volume control, but entry during the night restriction zone requires accommodation. Rather than focusing on the length of the route, "taking it slow with an overnight stay" is the safer approach.Climbing Mount Fuji

8. Frequently Asked Questions (Highlights)

Q. If I arrive at the Fifth Station at night, can I start climbing immediately?
A. Between 2 PM and 3 AM, only those with a mountain hut reservation can enter. If you don't have a reservation, wait until the restriction hours are over and enter during the day.##HTML