Trekkers will have to pay a toll of 4,000 yen, or about 26 dollars, to climb Mount Fuji from the Yamanashi Prefecture side starting next summer. The current fee is 2,000 yen, or about 13 dollars.

Yamanashi officials also plan to close the toll gate two hours earlier at 2 p.m. to discourage people from climbing Japan's highest peak overnight.

Steps have already been taken to prevent accidents and dangerous behavior by climbers. The toll gate was set up at the 5th station this summer, and closed between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. Trekkers have also been asked to pay 1,000 yen, or around 6 dollars, on a voluntary basis to preserve the local environment.

Officials say the fee of 4,000 yen is based on the amount the prefecture spent for this summer's climbing season.

Shizuoka Prefecture, which also has a trail to Mt. Fuji, plans to charge 4,000 yen as well, and will close its toll gate from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The governors of both prefectures have agreed to align their approaches, while considering their local circumstances.

Officials in Fujiyoshida City, located at the foot of the mountain, will be briefed on the plan on Friday.