Mount Fuji’s World Heritage Under Threat: Controversial Railway Proposal Sparks Debate Amid Overtourism Concerns

Governor’s Train Idea Gets Mixed Reviews for Tackling Too Many Visitors

Yamanashi Governor Nagasaki Kotaro suggests a train on Mt. Fuji to handle too many tourists; however, some folks say it might mess up the mountain’s special feel. Governor Nagasaki talks about the train plan in Fujiyoshida, trying to get opinions from about 780 locals. Fujiyoshida Mayor Horiuchi Shigeru and others worry it could hurt the mountain.

Pricey Train Project Hopes to Fix Too-Many-Tourists Issue

Officials share a costly plan—about ¥140 billion ($936 million USD)—to build a train and stop too many tourists at Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO spot facing issues for ten years. Mayor Horiuchi and others say building the train might damage the special feeling of Mt. Fuji, a mountain people have worshiped for ages as the fire-breathing Asama-no-Okami

Locals Suggest Simple Ideas to Save Mt. Fuji’s Nature

Residents say instead of a train, use electric buses and traffic rules to control tourists and keep the air clean, all without hurting the mountain’s specialness. Governor Nagasaki stays firm on the train plan, even though some folks aren’t happy. The government releases detailed plans to build a train on the Fuji Subaru LineSome smart people, like Hosei University professor Murakushi Nisaburo, worry the train might make more tourists come, especially in winter. Snow usually keeps them away. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) says if Mt. Fuji’s too crowded and nothing’s done, it might lose its special World Heritage title.