Yamanashi Prefecture to Charge for Off-Season Mount Fuji Helicopter Rescues

evening · 14 September 2026 · thread: Yamanashi Prefecture to Charge for Off-Season Mount Fuji Helicopter Rescues

3 sources · Japan

Who reported this

Asahi Shimbun Japan · Centre-left · Asahi Shimbun Company (family and employee held)
Kyodo News Japan · Centre · Non-profit publisher cooperative
The Japan Times Japan · Centre · News2u Holdings

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Yamanashi Prefecture has decided to charge climbers for rescue operations conducted by its disaster prevention helicopter on Mount Fuji during the closed season if they fail to submit climbing plans. The prefecture intends to introduce the system next September to deter risky climbs outside the official season, which typically runs from July 1 to September 10. Yamanashi and neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture have reported an increase in unplanned and off-season climbs that have left individuals stranded on the 3,776 meter peak. Authorities noted that climbing during the closed season is more dangerous because first aid stations are closed and weather conditions can be severe. In developing this plan, Yamanashi consulted with Shizuoka and studied a similar ordinance in Saitama Prefecture that charges for certain helicopter rescues.

How each side framed it

Centre-left: This outlet framed the policy as a specific target against reckless climbing.
Centre: These outlets presented the decision as a factual administrative measure to deter risky climbing.

Sources

Centre-left Asahi Shimbun: Mount Fuji disaster prevention helicopter rescues to become paid: Yamanashi Prefecture to target reckless climbing during closed season Japan · Asahi Shimbun Company (family and employee held)
Centre Kyodo News: Yamanashi Pref. decides to charge for helicopter rescues on Mt. Fuji Japan · Non-profit publisher cooperative
Centre The Japan Times: Yamanashi to charge climbers for Mount Fuji helicopter rescues Japan · News2u Holdings

100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.