Visitor Management Strategy
1 Purpose
From the perspectives of maintaining and enhancing the dual characteristics of Fujisan as a“sacred place (spiritual quality)” and a “source of artistic inspiration (aesthetic quality)” whileconserving the natural environment as its foundation, the existing state of and problems facing
Fujisan are to be examined and the ideal vision of visitor management is to be developed, with afocus on the upper access routes. To realize the ideal vision, research and study that mainly
examine carrying capacities1 for the upper access routes (fifth station and higher) are to be
carried out. Based on these results, multidimensional indicators are to be identified; the standards
for these indicators will be established, and the implementation of the measures taken will bemonitored.
It should be noted that the property area of Fujisan includes not only the Fujisan MountainArea, which is characterized by upper access routes but also spiritual places at the foot of themountain, such as Shinto shrines, lakes, ponds, and waterfalls. Consequently, this strategy
includes the component parts at the foot of the mountain within its scope.

2 Existing StateIn the summer of 2012, the year before the inscription on the World Heritage List,
approximately 320,000 people climbed Fujisan. In 2014, however, the number decreased toapproximately 240,000, equal to the number in 2007, as there were few days of good weather onweekends and in the mid-August festival (the Bon Festival) season, when many people usually
visit Fujisan, and because the restrictions on private vehicles and the shuttle bus service to thefifth station were enforced for a longer period of time than in previous years. The number ofclimbers decreased even further, to approximately 200,000 in 2015, whereas roughly 10 million
people visit the component parts at the foot of the mountain annually.
Environmentally sensitive toilets funded by national government subsidies have been installed
along the upper access routes and are maintained appropriately by managers of individual toilets.
Currently, 10 years after they were installed, the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi
Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc. are currently examining treatment and maintenance methods
etc., to ensure their ongoing appropriate maintenance.
Management measures adopted on Fujisan include improving mountain huts, ascending routes,
and relevant visitor facilities and conducting research to examine their current state. However, therelevant stakeholders do not share a common understanding of the basic principles and policies
underlying future visitor management.

1

Carrying capacities = the number of climbers = one of the many multidimensional indicators developed|33

3 Issues
Regarding the upper access routes, the distribution of people who make ascents from the Fifth
Station to the summit is concentrated on specific dates and times. There is also significant
variation in the manner that ascents are made. It is important that climbers recognize theOutstanding Universal Value of Fujisan as a “ sacred place ” and “source of artistic inspiration”
and pass on the cultural traditions of Fujisan ascents to future generations.
Although there has been no significant congestion at the other component parts at the foot of
the mountain, , it is necessary from the perspectives of considering the component parts as “anentity” to facilitate visitors’ recognition and understanding of mutual relationships amongindividual component parts, with a focus on the unity between the Fujisan Mountain Area and theother component parts at the foot of the mountain.
In order to address these issues, management measures need to be implemented in a stepwise,planned manner based on the visitor management strategy.

4 Policies
The visitor management strategy for the World Cultural Heritage Fujisan Vision will be
developed based on World Heritage Manual No. 1, “Managing Tourism at World Heritage Sites: a
Practical Manual for World Heritage Site Managers” (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2002)
and on case studies of National Parks in other countries with a view to ensuring the appropriate
implementation of a framework in which targets and objectives are defined and the effectivenessof visitor management measures are monitored based on indicators (refer to Figure 1. page 38).
On Fujisan, the distribution of climbers who ascend to the summit from the fifth station isconcentrated on specific dates and times. Therefore, a “desired style of Fujisan ascents” is to be
decided on as a target for visitor management; this style will be based on consideration of the“carrying capacities for the upper access routes”.
The “desired style of Fujisan ascents” will be defined based on the following threeperspectives, recognizing that it is important that climbers who make ascents using various
climbing styles can feel the characteristics of Fujisan in terms of both spiritual and aesthetic
qualities.
(i) Transmission of the cultural traditions of ascents originating from worship ascentsin the 17th century
・ Ascents to the summit for the purposes of viewing sunrise (“Goraiko”) should beaccompanied by an overnight stay or a short stay at a mountain hut on the way.
・ Ascents should be made via the identified pilgrimage or ascending routes.
・ The relationships between Shinto shrines and spiritual spots at the foot of the mountain andascending routes should be recognized and understood.
34|

(ii) Maintenance of scenic landscapes along the ascending routes and around themountaintop
・ Facilities for climbers, such as mountain huts and disaster prevention facilities, should bedesigned to be in harmony with the natural environment.
・ Factors that affect the scenic landscapes such as erosion and vegetation changes, should becontrolled.
(iii) Safety and comfort of visitors who make ascents・ Necessary climbing equipment should be available, and appropriate manners should
govern behavior.
・ Ascents can be enjoyed without congestion, danger, or dissatisfaction due to excessive
numbers of climbers.
The following three policies will facilitate the achievement of a “desired style of Fujisan
ascents”.

(1) Research on carrying capacities and determination of indicators“To balance the conservation and the utilization of Fujisan, research to examine the“carrying capacities for the upper access routes” will be conducted based on advice fromexperts. And multidimensional indicators, including the number of climbers, and standardsof the identified indicators will be decided upon in consultation with local stakeholders etc.
from the perspectives of the (i) transmission of the cultural traditions of ascents originatingfrom worship ascents in the 17th century to future generations, (ii) maintenance of scenic
landscapes along the ascending routs and around the mountaintop, and (iii) safety andcomfort of visitors who make ascents (reference information 1, page 40).

(2) Implementation of visitor management measures
To realize the “desired style of Fujisan ascents” in coordination with businesses, groups,
local stakeholders, and so on who work to conserve Fujisan, visitor management measures
will be implemented for the purpose of achieving the desired level of each indicator,
focusing on the upper access routes but not excluding the area at the foot of the mountain.

(3) Monitoring of measures and indicators
The completed measures, identified indicators, and standards for individual indicators will
be evaluated and reviewed periodically.

|35

5 Measures(1) Research on carrying capacities(reference information 1, page 40)

and determination of indicators

・ To survey the movements, behavior, and perceptions of climbers at the fifth station andhigher in the summer on a continual basis over a 3-year period from 2015 to 2017.
・ To analyze the results of this survey and determine indicators and desired levels2, including
but not limited to the target daily number of climbers on each ascending route, by July 2018,from the three perspectives of (i) transmission of the cultural traditions of ascents originatingfrom worship ascents in the 17th century to future generations, (ii) maintenance of scenic
landscapes along the ascending routs and around the mountaintop, and (iii) safety andcomfort of visitors who make ascents.

(2) Implementation of visitor management measures
Currently, the following measures are being implemented with a view to conforming to the“desired style of Fujisan ascents”.
Upper Access Routes(i) Mitigation of the concentrations of climbers near the summit on specific peak dates
and times
・To review the last daily departure time of the shuttle bus between the parking at the foot of
the mountain and the fifth station.
・To encourage ascents from the foot of the mountain (reference information 2, page 43).
・To encourage visits to the component parts at the foot of the mountain through discussion
and the selection of model visitation routes, including those based on the results of researchon pilgrimage routes on the lower slopes of the mountain. (Reference information 3, page
44.)(ii) Increasing awareness・To provide information on the degree of congestion of each ascending route and the status ofmountain hut reservations, to discourage climbers from attempting “bullet climbing”(night-time ascents without sufficient rest before climbing); to provide information on safe
climbing, including clothing and equipment; and to raise public awareness about good
climbing manners, such as carrying out trash (reference information 4 to 7, pages 45 to 49).
・To construct an “Integrated Tourism and Safety Information System for Fujisan Ascents”
2

36

For indicators and standards for individual indicators, refer to reference information 1, “Examples ofIndicators and Standard Levels” (pages 41 and 42).

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which has a range of functions from tourist information about the surrounding area of
Fujisan, electronical submission of registration papers, safety information, to tracking of
climbers’ locations.
(iii) Alternative transportation system
・ To implement an alternative transportation system that contributes to achieving the “carrying
capacities for the upper access routes” (reference information 8, page 50).
(iv) User payment system
・To ensure the implementation of a system called “Fujisan Conservation Donation” as arequest for voluntary cooperation from climbers and to promote projects that conserve thecultural and natural environment of Fujisan and ensure the safety of climbers (reference
information 9, page 51).
(v) Proper maintenance of toilets
・To promote the maintenance of toilets along the upper access routes, with a view tomaintaining the spiritual quality of Fujisan and reducing the environmental load (reference
information 10, page 53).

Foot of the Mountain (Lower Slopes of the Mountain)(i) Encourage visits to component parts at the foot of the mountain・To guide visitors to the component parts at the foot of the mountain by delineating
pilgrimage routes on the lower slopes of the mountain.
(ii) Promote circular tours in the area at the foot of the mountain.
・To encourage visitors to make circular tours at the foot of Fujisan by developing model routes
and providing guided tours of the component parts at the foot of the mountain and othertourist destinations in the surrounding area so that visitors can experience the charms of not
only the higher mountain area but also the area at the foot of the mountain of Fujisan(reference information 11, page 55).
・To disseminate information through media, such as guidebooks and web pages: to provide
information at the grass-roots level via local guides etc.; and to facilitate visitors’ recognition
and understanding of relationships among the component parts and the Outstanding
Universal Value of the entire property.(Refer to Interpretation Strategy’s reference
information 4, page 77).

(3) Monitor measures and indicators
To respond to changes in the existing state and to new issues, the effectiveness andsustainability of individual measures is to be evaluated and reviewed approximately every 5|37years, starting from 2015, to achieve steady progress and improvement.

ACTION

PLAN

Review indicators and measures

Identify indicators and measures

Desired Style of Fujisan Ascent
1. Transmit the Cultural Tradition of Fujisan
Ascents
2. Maintain Scenic Landscapes
3. Safety and Comfort during Fujisan
Ascents

CHECK

DO

Evaluate indicators and measures

Implement measures

Figure 1

38|

Framework for Visitor Management at FujisanReference Information|

39

Reference Information 1: Study of Carrying Capacities and Determination ofIndicators
・ Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture play a central role, sharing information
with the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment, in carryingout the survey of the dynamics of climbers and the perceptions of climbers for three
years from 2015 to 2017 as part of the study centering on the carrying capacities of theupper access routes, in order to realize the “desired style of Fujisan ascents”.
By July 2018, under consultation with local stakeholders, several indicators and thedesired standard levels for each indicator will be determined, including but not limited to
the number of climbers, from the perspectives of (i) transmission of the cultural
traditions of ascents originating from worship ascents in the 17th century to future
generations, (ii) maintenance of scenic landscapes along the ascending routs and aroundthe mountaintop, and (iii) safety and comfort of visitors who make ascents.

Reference Information 1: Study of Carrying Capacities and Selection of Indicators

・ Actions already implemented
From 2015, with advice from experts on National Parks management etc., thefollowing studies centering on “carrying capacities of the upper access routes” have been
conducted.
(1) Study on the dynamics of climbers
At each starting point of the Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri, and Yoshida
Ascending Routes, GPS data loggers were handed out to climbers and data ofarrival time to the mountaintop and density of climbers, etc. Also, fixed-point
cameras were installed at congestion points along the ascending routes and thestatus of congestion was recorded for different time slots.
(2) Study on the perceptions of climbers
Questionnaire survey was conducted on climbers and other visitors, asking aboutsatisfaction, tolerance about congestion, recognition and understanding of the 25component parts as one whole, status of visitation to component parts, etc.
In addition, Web questionnaire survey was conducted for people other thanclimbers about congestion tolerance etc.
(3) Study on the status of congestion at toilets
At the toilet on the 7th Station of the Yoshida Descending Route, where an issue ofcongestion is identified, the waiting time and the number of people in queue wererecorded.

40

Scenes from GPS logger survey and dynamics of climber recorded by GPS logger

・ Future actions
In the three years up to 2017, studies are to be continued and, through consultation
with stakeholders, several indicators and the desired standard levels for each indicator
will be selected, including but not limited to the number of climbers per day, from theperspectives of (i) transmission of the cultural traditions of ascents originating from|worship ascents in the 17th century to future generations, (ii) maintenance of scenic
landscapes along the ascending routs and around the mountaintop, and (iii) safety andcomfort of visitors who make ascents by July 2018.
<Indicative examples of indicators and standard levels>
The indicators and standard levels for each indicators to realize the “desired style of Fujisan
ascents” will be selected by July 2018, after study is conducted for three years up to 2017. The
indicative examples of the indicators and desired standard levels that are currently under discussion
are shown below.
◎Indicative examples of indicators
The indicative examples of the indicators to be selected to realize the “desired style of Fujisan
ascent” from the perspectives of (i) transmission of cultural traditions of Fujisan ascents to future
generations, (ii) maintenance of scenic landscapes, and (iii) safety and comfort of ascents are shown

Desired style of Fujisan
ascentIndicators(measurement method)Standards

Maintenance ofscenic landscapes

Facilities for climbers
such as mountain huts
and disaster prevention
facilities are in harmony
withthenaturalenvironment.

YoshidaFujinomiya
Percentage of climbers who think thelandscapes along the ascending routes
Gotembaare in harmony with the naturalenvironment
Subashiri(questionnaire survey)
etc.
YoshidaFujinomiya
Number of climbers per day
Gotemba
Climbers can make safe(recordingofthenumberofclimbers
with
the
and
comfortablecounting device installed at the 8th Station)
ascents.
Subashirietc.

Indicative examples of standards are shown on next

Transmission ofcultural traditions

Fujinomiya
Percentage of climbers who have felt
Gotemba
Visitors can feel thethe sacredness of Fujisan.
sacredness and beauty(questionnaire survey)of Fujisan.
Subashiri
etc.

Safety and comfort of
Fujisan ascent

Reference Information 1: Study of Carrying Capacities and Selection of Indicators

below.

Yoshida|41

◎Indicative examples of desired standard levels
The indicative examples of the desired standard levels for each indicator are shown below. The
figures shown here are provided only for indication purposes and are not actual data.
(Example 1) Indicative example of the desired standard level concerning the “percentage ofclimbers who have felt the sacredness of Fujisan”(i) Analysis of survey
Percentage of climbers who have felt the sacredness of
Fujisan
0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2015

(ii) Desirable standard
level (X %) is to be
decided on, in consultation
with stakeholders.

Reference Information 1: Study of Carrying Capacities and Selection of Indicators

2016

42

2017
Yes

No

(Example 2) Indicative example of the desired standard level concerning the “number ofclimbers per day”(i) Items for the vertical axis (axis Y) have several options such as the percentage of climbers
who are dissatisfied with congestion, the density, or the waiting time. Therefore, in deciding
on the selection of the item for the vertical axis (axis Y), the correlation between the verticalaxis (axis Y) and the number of climbers (axis X) are to be analyzed first based on thesurvey results.
(ii) In consultation with stakeholders, the vertical axis (axis Y) is to be decided upon, in
consideration of its correlation with the number of climbers (axis X).
For axis X, the density, thewaiting time, etc. can be
used.

% of
climbers
dissatisfied withcongestion(iii) Based on the survey results andin consultation with stakeholders,the desirable level for axis Y (forexample, X percent of climbers
dissatisfied with congestion) is tobe decided on.
0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Number of climbers(iv) The value of axis X (number of climbers) is to be
decided on.

|Reference Information 2: Encouragement of Ascents from the Foot of Fujisan

・ Actions already implemented
Fujiyoshida City renovated the Nakano Chaya teahouse on the Yoshida Ascending
Route that had been closed for a while, turning it into a guidance station and a restinghut. Civic volunteers operated a Fujisan resting spot at Umagaeshi during the summer
climbing season, served water to visitors, and guided visitors around nearby areas. These
activities led to the maintenance of the environment for people to make ascents from thefoot of Fujisan. Information for "ascents from the foot of Fujisan" was provided throughpamphlets and web sites.
A dilapidated mountain hut located before the Fifth Station of the Yoshida Ascending
Route was removed. An explanatory sign introducing the history of the removed
mountain hut was then installed to improve the understanding of the history of Fujisan
ascents.

Nakano Chaya teahouse

Fujisan resting spot

BeforeAfter

Dilapidated mountain hut

Hut removed and sign installed

・ Future actions
Visitors are continuously encouraged to "make ascents from the foot of Fujisan" bycontinuing the above-mentioned activities.

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Reference Information 2: Encouragement of Ascents from the Foot of Fujisan

・ Summary
Visitors are encouraged to make ascents from the foot of Fujisan, starting from theroute connecting Oshi villages including the Former House of the Togawa Family,
Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine, and the starting point of the Yoshida
Ascending Route, in order to improve the understanding and interest in the history of
Fujisan ascents at Yoshida Entrance and heighten the motivation to pass on the World
Heritage Fujisan to future generations.

43

Reference Information 3: Guidance of Climbers to the Component Parts at the Footof the Mountain, Using Pilgrimage Routes
・ Summary
In order for climbers and other visitors to understand the mutual relations among thecomponent parts, various possibilities have been examined, including the designation ofmodel courses etc. to encourage people to visit not only ascending routes but also the
Shinto shrines at the mountain foot and spiritual places such as the Fuji Five Lakes, using
the pilgrimage routes that have been identified or estimated, based on the results of theresearches and studies concerning pilgrimage routes in the lower slopes of the mountain.

Reference Information 3: Guidance of Climbers to the Component Parts at the Footof the Mountain, Using Pilgrimage Routes

・ Actions already implemented
In June 2015, an organization for the promotion of projects was set up, consisting of
Yamanashi Prefecture, municipal governments, tourist organizations, etc. and thediscussion toward the designation of model courses etc. started.

44|

Schematic image of the project・ Future actions
The implementation of the monitor tours and field surveys will be conducted and themodel courses will be designated. The training of tour guides etc. will be discussed, with aview to the establishment of circular tours of Fujisan as a standard style of Fujisan tourism,
including the component parts at the mountain foot by 2010.

Reference Information 4: Instruction to Avoid "Bullet Climbing"・ Summary
An overnight ascent to the summit of Fujisan without having sufficient rest
beforehand is called "bullet climbing". Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture
submitted requests to the Japan Tourism Agency to give strict instructions to relevantorganizations and groups about the avoidance of "bullet climbing" and also installed
information boards asking visitors to avoid "bullet climbing" at the starting points ofascending routes in order to ensure the safety of climbers.

Awareness-Raising Sign

Lecture to relevant organizations

・ Future actions
Strict instruction will be continuously given to hikers to avoid dangerous "bullet
climbing” and its risks are publicized.

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Reference Information 4: Instruction to Avoid "Bullet Climbing"・ Actions already implemented
Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture are requesting the Japan Tourism
Agency, tourism organizations, and mountaineering organizations to give strict
instructions that climbers must avoid "bullet climbing" before the summer climbing
season every year. They are also spreading the message using pamphlets and othermeans and installing information boards at ascending routes to raise awareness. The
Council for Proper Use of Fujisan (secretariat: the Hakone Natural Environment Officeof the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Shizuoka Prefecture) is
also asking Fujisan visitors to allow for sufficient time in their web site, "Official Web
Site for Mt. Fuji Climbing".

45

Reference Information 5: Information Provision at Climbing Starting Points for Safeand Comfortable Ascents and Awareness Raising for Good Manners
・ SummaryInformation provision about necessary equipment and characteristics of ascending
routes and awareness raising about good mountain-climbing manners such as bringing
wastes back home are to be conducted in order to ensure safe and comfortable Fujisan
ascents.
・ Actions already implemented
At the 5th Station of the ascending routes, information provision about the confirmationof necessary equipment and characteristics of ascending routes and awareness raising
about good mountain-climbing manners such as bringing wastes back home are to be
conducted by rangers of the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi Prefecture, andReference Information 5: Information Provision at Climbing Starting Points
for Safe and Comfortable Ascents and Awareness Raising for Good Manners

Shizuoka Prefecture and the showing of video programmes.

46

Instruction by rangers etc.

Showing of videos

・ Future actions
Measures are to be implemented on a continual basis, with a view to promoting safe
and comfortable Fujisan ascents and improving good manners.

|Reference Information 6: Standardization of Signs, Including Those along the
Ascending Routes of Fujisan
・ Summary
To respond to the rapid increase in the number of visitors to Fujisan, people getting
lost, deterioration of signs, and the increased number of non-Japanese visitors, theFujisan Sign Liaison Council consisting of the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi
Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, relevant municipalities, tourism organizations,
mountain hut unions, and other organizations was set up in 2009. The council developed"The General Guideline for Signs in Fujisan" in March 2010 and has been installing
signs in compliance with this guideline.
・ Actions already implemented
Item

Content

Locations of
signs

Ascending routes and descending routes (between 5th station andResponsible
agencies(Yamanashi Prefecture) Ascending route: Development dept.

summit)Reference Information 6: Standardization of Signs, Including Those along the
Ascending Routes of Fujisan

Descending route: Tourist dept.
(Shizuoka Prefecture) Ascending route: Civil engineering offices
Descending route: Gotemba City and Oyama Town
(Summit) Ohachimeguri circuit: Ministry of the Environment

Special featuresof signs<Improvement on signs>
・ Consistency in the English translations of place names; change
from displaying ascending routes to displaying directions.
・ Displaying distance and usual time on some signs.
・ Color-coding of ascending routes.
・ Introduction of a system that allows the identification of the locationin case of rescue operation<Measures for visitors from other countries>
・ Multi-language (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean) andpictograms<Consideration to good scenic landscapes>
・ Brown sign boards in line with the preservation and management
plan of Fujisan.
・ Consistent design in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures.
・ Improvement on landscapes through prevention of excessive
installation of signs.

|

47

Color-coding of ascending routes

Reference Information 6: Standardization of Signs, Including Those along the
Ascending Routes of Fujisan

Blue: Fujinomiya RouteGreen: Gotemba Route
Red: Subashiri RouteYellow: Yoshida Route48|

・ Future actions
The managers of individual roads repair, improve, and install when necessary and as
appropriate information signs at roads to provide information, ensure safety, andmaintain comfortable hiking environment when necessary based on the established“General Guideline for Signs in Fujisan”, while sharing information and building
consensus at the “Council for the Promotion of the Appropriate Use on Fujisan”.

Reference Information 7: Collection and Treatment of Wastes on Fujisan
・ Summary・ Actions already implemented
Wastes along the ascending routes are regularly collected by the national government,
Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, relevant municipal governments, privateorganizations, and volunteers. Also, as a successful result of calls to climbers for better
manners and to visitors for cooperation in bringing wastes back home, the awareness ofclimbers and other visitors for the conservation of Fujisan has been enhanced, as isreflected in the decrease in the amount of wastes along the ascending routes.
Also, with regard to the illegal waste dumping that has been identified along the roadsin the surrounding mountain-foot area of Fujisan, the national government, Yamanashi
Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, relevant municipal governments, etc. have stationed
waste inspectors and installed surveillance cameras in an effort for the prevention andearly detection of illegal waste dumping and its expansion as well as removing wastes
when found.

Cleaning activities by volunteers

Installation of surveillance cameras as a measure to prevent illegal waste dumping

・ Future actions
Cleaning activities by related government organizations, private organizations, andvolunteers are to be continued, awareness for conservation is to be enhanced, and efforts
are to be made to promote the rules and manners. Also, measures for the surveillance ofillegal waste dumping are to be strengthened.
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Reference Information 7: Collection and Treatment of Wastes on FujisanAlong the roads in the surrounding area of the mountain foot of Fujisan and along theascending routes, cleaning activities are conducted on a continual basis in an effort to
reduce environmental loads and raise awareness for the conservation of Fujisan.
Also, as a measure to address the illegal waste dumping at the mountain foot of
Fujisan, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and relevant municipalities conduct
patrols and other activities together for the prevention and early detection of illegal
waste dumping and its expansion.

49

Reference Information 8: Implementation of Traffic Control (Alternative
Transportation System) and Reevaluation of the Period of Traffic Control
・ Summary
Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and relevant municipal governments havebeen implementing and expanding restrictions on private automobile traffic during thesummer climbing season at the Fujisan Skyline (Fujinomiya ascending route), Fuji
Azami Line (Subashiri ascending route), and Fuji Subaru Line (Yoshida ascending
route) to ensure safe and smooth traffic without traffic congestion for visitors of Fujisan
and to protect the environment of Fujisan.
・ Actions already implemented
The period of restriction is gradually extended to alleviate traffic congestion.

Reference Information 8: Implementation of Traffic Control (Alternative
Transportation System) and Reevaluation of the Period of Traffic Control

2011

50

|

2012

2013

2014

2015

FujisanSkyline*26 days
34 days
52 days
63 days
63 days(Fujinomiya)
Fuji Azami
Line
26 days
34 days
37 days
40 days47 days(Subashiri)
Fuji Subaru
Line
15 days
15 days
31 days
53 days
53 days(Yoshida)※ Fujisan Skyline: In 2014 and 2015, traffic restriction was imposed throughout the mountain climbing
period.
BeforeAfter

Road-side parking occurred

No road-side parking

・ Future actions
Meetings of relevant personnel are held to determine periods of traffic control in thefollowing year and other aspects based on effects of the traffic control in this year.

Reference Information 9: Fujisan Conservation Donation (User Fee System)
・ SummaryAn experimental user fee system was implemented in the summer of 2013 to protect
the environment of Fujisan and ensure the safety of climbers. Since 2014 the full-fledgeduser fee system based on voluntary payment has been operated as "Fujisan Conservation
Donation" to ask for the cooperation of visitors to generate funds for protecting theenvironment of Fujisan and ensuring the safety of climbers.
・ Results of implementation in 2015
Item
PurposeYamanashi Prefecture
Shizuoka Prefecture
Conservation of the environment of Fujisan and safety of climbers of Fujisan

TargetClimbers who make ascents to the summit from the 5th station

Basic fee: 1,000 JPY/person
Official climbing season
Official climbing season
Period(i.e. from 1 July to 14 September on (i.e. from 10 July to 10 September on
the Yamanashi Prefecture side)
the Shizuoka Prefecture side)
On-sitecollection
On-sitecollection
Collection
th・Fuji
SubaruLine(5
Station):24
・Fujinomiya,
Gotemba, and Subashiri
methodhours/day
AscendingRoutes(5th Station): fromand timeth・
YoshidaAscendingRoute6 ampeople;
to 6 pm43,455,701 JPY
72,191people;71,041,820
JPY (6
43,792Raised(including on-site payment of (including
on-sitepaymentof
fund
70,646,820 JPY from 71,796
42,190,701 JPY from 42,527 people)
people)※Pilot programme in 2013 (10 days on an experimental basis)
Raised fund: 19,157,950 JPY in Yamanashi Pref.; 14,974,472 JPY in Shizuoka Pref.
※2014
Raised fund: 114,353,116 JPY from 116,184 people in Yamanashi Pref. (on-site payment of
113,497,116 JPY from 115,328 people)
43,820,274 JPY from 43,312 people in Shizuoka Pref. (on-site payment of 42,928,274
JPY from 42,420 people)

Reference Information 9: Fujisan Conservation Donation (User Fee System)

Fee

Voluntary payment of Fujisan Conservation Donation at the Fifth Station

Gift badges as the reward of the payment (from left, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba, andYoshida Ascending Routes)|

51

Reference Information 9: Fujisan Conservation Donation (User Fee System)<Use>
The fund raised through the Fujisan Conservation Donation is used for the
replenishment of the financial source for new and existing projects that are implemented
for the conservation of the environment of Fujisan, climbers’ safety, and the interpretationof the Outstanding Universal Value of Fujisan.
To be specific, funds were used for information provision for safe and comfortableFujisan ascent and awareness raising for the promotion of good climbers’ manners(reference information 5, page 46), repair of the guidance signs along the ascending
routes (reference information 6, page 47), refurbishment of environmentally sensitive
toilets (reference information 10, page 53), and distribution of helmets and dust-proof
masks at mountain huts.

52

Helmets etc. that have been provided to a mountain hut
with the financial support of the fund・ Future actions
The Fujisan Conservation Donation is to be continued to generate funds for starting
new projects and expanding other projects for the protection of the environment of
Fujisan higher than the Fifth Station, by implementing safety measures for climbers, andpublicizing the Outstanding Universal Value of Fujisan. Specific fund allocation toprojects is determined through discussions every year by determining up a project
selection committee.

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Reference Information 10: Maintenance of Toilets on Fujisan
・ Summary・ Actions already implemented
In addition to the increasing number of climbers and other visitors, severe climatic andgeographical conditions used to result in the insufficient availability or capacities of
toilets, as a result of which human wastes discharged from the toilets were pointed out as
an issue of adverse environmental impact in the past.
Therefore, Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture set up a committee
consisting of academic experts, relevant municipal governments, local stakeholders, etc.
and carried out verification projects for human waste treatment, and started in 2002 to
install public toilets at mountain huts, in consideration of locations and management
requirements.
Shizuoka Prefecture had completed the replacement of toilets at all of the 24 mountainhuts by 2005 and Yamanashi Prefecture had completed the replacement of toilets at all of
the 18 mountain huts by 2006 with environmentally sensitive toilets that do not discharge
human wastes.
Also, the Ministry of the Environment installed environmentally sensitive public
toilets at three locations, including the summit of Fujisan and relevant municipal
government installed public toilets at the 5th stations. As a result, the hygienic conditionsof Fujisan has improved.

Before (in the 1990s near the 8th
station)Toilet papers discharged from toilets
used to be infamously called “whiterivers”.

All the toilets have been replacedwith environmentally sensitive
toilets (human waste issue has beensolved.)|Reference Information 10: Maintenance of Toilets on Fujisan

In order to reduce the environmental loads on Fujisan, the Ministry of theEnvironment, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, relevant municipal
governments, related organizations, and mountain huts had replaced all the toilets in thearea from the 5th station to the summit with environmentally sensitive toilets by 2006.
Under the difficult environmental conditions, the responsible operators have been taking
care of them properly.

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<Waste treatment methods of environmentally sensitive toilets>

Bio-toilet
Sawdust is used to stimulate
microorganisms,
whichdecompose human waste.

Incinerator Toilet
Oil burners are used toincinerate human waste. No
sludge is produced. Only aminimal level of ash is left.

・ Future actions
In order to meet the requirements of many climbers under the severe environmental
conditions, the responsible operators of toilets continue to take care of the maintenanceof toilets properly. In addition, now that ten years have passed since the installation ofenvironmentally sensitive toilets, the Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi
Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, etc. are working to discuss methods of human waste
treatment and maintenance requirements in order to ensure the appropriate managementof the toilets.

Reference Information 10: Maintenance of Toilets on Fujisan
54

Recycled Water Toilet
Water and oyster shells are put
into the treatment cistern, andmicroorganisms from the shells
decomposehuman
waste.
Treated water can be reused forflushing.

<Process>
Category
FY
Installationofenvironmentallysensitive toilets
Proper maintenance ofenvironmentallysensitive toilets
Examinationoftreatment methods andmaintenancerequirements|

Short term (completed)
2013
2014
2015
Completed by 2006

Medium term
2016
2017

Long term
2018 or later

Reference Information 11: Fujisan Perimeter Walking Circuit
・ SummaryConcurring with the inscription of Fujisan on the World Heritage List, a map showing
recommended routes such as a perimeter walking circuit around Fujisan is prepared sothat visitors can enjoy walking around Fujisan while visiting component parts.

・ Future actions
The map has been used for various purposes after the information was posted, suchas the development of products by travel agencies and information printed in outdoor
activity magazines. In coordination with the national government, NPOs, and otherorganizations, further use is to be facilitated by providing information actively tocommercial magazines and by installing guide posts not only for Japanese tourists but
also for international visitors and providing bicycle routes using trail routes.

|

Reference Information 11: Fujisan Perimeter Walking Circuit

・ Actions already implemented
Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and relevant municipalities preparedmaps showing routes such as a perimeter walking circuit around Fujisan so that visitors
can enjoy walking around Fujisan. The route was named "Fujisan Perimeter Long Trail,"and the provisional edition of the map was posted on the web site in June 2013.
Safety of the routes was later examined, and viewpoints of Fujisan were added to themap. The map was renamed as "Fujisan Perimeter Walking Circuit" as the final edition
depicting the main perimeter route around Fujisan as well as other routes. The
information was updated in February 2014.
Also in 2014, a social experiment was carried out with the aim of establishing asystem for the sustainable management of “road-side landscapes” of Fujisan based oncollaboration between local communities and road managing authorities. This
experiment is to be continued from 2015 on.

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