Mount Fuji Rescue Numbers Climb as Authorities Warn of Unprepared Hikers

Japan is reporting a rise in mountain rescues on Mount Fuji, with officials pointing to a growing number of climbers who are ill-equipped for the conditions. At the popular fifth-station trailhead, many visitors wear casual shoes and light clothing, seemingly unaware that the peak rises to 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) where temperatures drop below freezing even in summer. Tatsuo Nanai, a veteran climber and former secretary general of the Fuji-san Club, expressed concern about the trend. He said that while Japan's official climbing season has just begun, the scene is already worrying. The increase in rescues has led some to blame foreign tourists, but the issue involves both local and international visitors. Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of climbers each year. Authorities have urged hikers to prepare properly, bringing warm clothing, proper footwear, and sufficient water. Despite warnings, many continue to underestimate the mountain's challenges. The Japanese government has not announced any new restrictions based on nationality, focusing instead on safety campaigns. The rising number of incidents has sparked debate about how to balance tourism with safety on the iconic peak.