The central Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka, which has a trail to Mount Fuji, has enacted an ordinance amid risky behavior by some climbers.



The new ordinance requires each hiker to pay an entrance fee of 4,000 yen, or about 28 dollars, to climb from the Shizuoka Prefecture side.



It also restricts the hours during which hikers can pass through the entrance gates at the 5th station on the prefecture's three trails.



The measures are designed to discourage overnight climbs and prevent accidents.



The official opening of the climbing season on the Shizuoka side is scheduled for July 10. But many tourists were already visiting the fifth station of the Fujinomiya Trail two months before.



A man in his 60s visiting from Fukuoka Prefecture with his wife said that he did not know about the new regulations, but he believes they are necessary as trekking can be fatal.



Some hikers were seen climbing over a fence to proceed up the trail, despite it being officially closed.



A challenge after the season opens will be ensuring that climbers follow the rules, as the ordinance carries no penalties.



The prefecture has begun the operation of a registration system via a dedicated app that allows people to pay the entrance fee and complete other required steps in advance. As of 3 p.m. on Friday, 523 people had registered.



People who try to climb Mount Fuji from the Yamanashi Prefecture side will also need to pay the same fee.