The Mount Fuji climbing season opened on Monday, with new measures in place to regulate the number of visitors to Japan's highest mountain.
The first trekkers began climbing a trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side in rainy and windy weather.
An entrance gate for the trail was recently set up at the 5th station. From Monday, the number of climbers using the route will be capped at 4,000 a day and they will be charged 2,000 yen, or about 12 dollars. The gate will be closed between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m.
The new rules were put in place to ease congestion around the peak and address problematic behavior by some climbers, such as attempting overnight treks.
Two Yamanashi prefectural officials opened the gate at 3 a.m. But the Fuji Subaru Line toll road leading to the 5th station was closed until 9 a.m. due to strong winds. Many climbers started arriving in cars and buses after the road opened.
Climbers were given wristbands to pass through the gate after paying the entry charge. Those who made reservations online were asked to show a QR code.
A man in his 60s from Tokyo said that limiting the number of climbers and collecting entrance fees are reasonable ways to ensure safety.