The allure and terror of Mount Fuji

Six men have died on Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji since the start of the climbing season in July. This figure, two more than last year, is especially worrying given that steps had only recently been taken to mitigate the dangers of climbing the mountain.

Various restrictions were introduced earlier this year to deal with overcrowding, which has become a feature of the mountain. A cap of 4,000 climbers a day was imposed along with a fee of 2,000 yen (£10). A website giving advice about weather conditions and congestion on the mountain was set up. Prayers were offered in an official ceremony before the climbing season opened.

Probably the most significant measure to deal with overcrowding on Mount Fuji, though, was the installation of a gate at the fifth ‘base’ of the ‘Yoshida’ trail. The gate closes at night and prevents people ‘bullet climbing’ (racing) to the top of the mountain.