Climbers flocked to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, on the last day of the summer climbing season.
Trails on the mountain, which straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, opened to climbers in early July.
On Wednesday, the fifth station of a trail on Mount Fuji’s Yamanashi side was bustling with climbers eager to enjoy the last day of the summer trekking season.
Following a signal from staff, the entrance gate was shut at 2 p.m., officially marking the end of this year’s climbing season.
The gate was installed at the fifth station last year to discourage overnight climbs and reduce congestion.
Other measures include a hiking fee, which was raised this year to 4,000 yen, or about 27 dollars, and a daily limit of 4,000 climbers on the route. The gate remains closed between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Prefectural officials say a preliminary count showed 149,963 climbers passed through the gate from July 1 through 2 p.m. on Wednesday, an increase of 262 from the same period last year.
“Mt. Fuji rangers,” prefecture-assigned personnel, advised 1,144 climbers on inappropriate clothing as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday. All reportedly adjusted their clothing accordingly.
A prefectural official said it was a relief that the climbing season ended without major incidents. The official added that authorities plan to review the season and work with relevant personnel to identify points for improvement and refine the system.
AloJapan.com