Tourism Overload: Japan's Sacred Mt Fuji Under Threat

The surge in inbound tourists to Japan has led to extreme levels of pollution and overcrowding at Mount Fuji, a sacred and iconic mountain. Authorities are considering drastic measures, such as restricting the number of visitors by implementing a tram system, to address the issue. Despite efforts to clean up the mountain, social media is filled with complaints about soiled bathrooms and litter along the climbing path. The growing trend of "bullet climbing," where climbers attempt to scale the peak for sunrise and descend on the same day, has also become a concern. Rescue requests have increased, with non-Japanese tourists accounting for a quarter of the cases. Restrictions on access to Mount Fuji may become necessary to preserve its beauty and cultural significance.