Yamanashi Prefecture to levy fees for off-season Mt. Fuji helicopter rescues

Yamanashi Prefecture announced plans to impose charges on climbers rescued by its disaster-prevention helicopter on Mt. Fuji during the closed climbing season, provided they failed to submit a climbing plan. The measure, intended to launch next September, aims to curb the growing number of off-season ascents that have left individuals stranded in severe weather with no first-aid stations operating. Both Yamanashi and adjacent Shizuoka Prefecture, which share responsibility for the mountain’s routes, support the initiative.

The prefecture examined Saitama Prefecture’s local ordinance that already levies fees for certain helicopter rescues. Officials hope the financial deterrent will discourage risky, unplanned climbs and reduce rescue demands.