Why do the Japanese climb Mount Fuji?

Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This summer, as the number of climbers on the mountain is expected to exceed the yearly average, a survey was conducted to find out what people think about Japan’s highest mountain. JustSystems Corporation surveyed 1,100 people between the ages of 10 and 70. When asked for the purpose of climbing Mount Fuji, 49.5% of respondents answered: “To commemorate my life.” It was followed by “To observe the view from the summit (even if the view is cloudy)”, stated 38.5%, followed by “To refresh my mind and body” (with 33.5%).

Mount Fuji’s new World Heritage designation had 32.9% of respondents saying they wanted to see the mountain this year, while a smaller percentage, 19.2%, said they really wanted to climb it. The smaller number reflects the fact that climbing the 3,776-meter-high mountain is physically demanding.

Additionally, 30.8% of respondents said they were interested in taking a tour of the area around Mount Fuji and its five lakes (including a climb). Broken down by details (multiple answers accepted), 86.7% wanted to visit cultural sites around Mount Fuji; 86.4% said they wanted to see places of tourist interest; and 85.2% were interested in spending the night in one of the hot springs in the area, which are numerous thanks to underground volcanic activity.

Regarding the disadvantage of the World Heritage status, 83.5% expressed concern about the problem of garbage due to the increase in the number of visitors. This concern for waste management may be the reason why 64.4% of respondents said they would agree to charge fees for access to the mountain. Admission is currently free.