Summer is different this year for Mt. Fuji, as the mountain trails are closed on account of the pandemic. The peak of the mountain, usually brimming with hikers and tourists, has been quiet -- as is the foot of the mountain, now void of its usual bustle.
Mt. Fuji attracts 200,000 to over 300,000 visitors during its climbing season, which runs from July to September, causing congestion on the trails. Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, however, decided to close all four mountain trails this year to prevent the three Cs (closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places and close-contact settings) at mountain lodges. They have also set up barricades at the fifth station of each of the four routes.
Furthermore, with all lodges and first-aid stations closed, it is extremely dangerous to try to walk all the way to the summit.
"Since no rescue teams are stationed there, rescue operations cannot be carried out swiftly. It is advised to just enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji this year," said an official in charge of measures related to Mt. Fuji climbing at the Shizuoka prefectural police's Gotenba Police Station.
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