Japan is considering introducing fees for helicopter rescues on Mount Fuji during the off-season, according to recent reports. The plan, proposed by Yamanashi prefecture, aims to reduce the number of dangerous and unplanned climbs outside the official climbing season, which runs from July to September. Under the proposal, climbers who attempt to go above the sixth station on the Yoshida Trail—approximately 2,400 meters above sea level—during the off-season would need to submit a climbing plan in advance. This plan would include details about the route, equipment, and other relevant information. If authorities believe a proposed plan is unsafe, they may advise climbers to make changes. Climbers who fail to submit a plan or ignore safety recommendations could be charged for rescue operations if experts determine their actions were reckless. Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki has urged people to avoid climbing Mount Fuji outside the official season, emphasizing the risks to both climbers and the rescuers who may have to help them. He highlighted the need for climbers to consider the dangers faced by rescue teams and their families. The proposed fee would be based on helicopter fuel costs, with a suggested rate of about 8,000 Japanese yen (£38) for every five minutes of helicopter operation. Authorities are also considering whether to include personnel and other costs in the final charge. The new system is expected to be implemented in September 2027. To further discourage off-season climbs, the prefecture is planning to use barricades and sensors to block access to mountain trails. These measures aim to prevent people from entering the mountain during the off-season when weather and trail conditions can be more severe. Most mountain huts and other support facilities are not open during this time, increasing the risks for climbers. Online advertisements will also be used to warn overseas visitors of the dangers involved in climbing Mount Fuji during the winter months. The proposal comes in response to several off-season rescue incidents. In April of last year, a Chinese university student was rescued twice within a few days after climbing on the Shizuoka side of the mountain. Between 2018 and 2025, there were 21 climbing accidents and four deaths on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji. Yamanashi’s plan follows a similar system in Saitama prefecture, which has charged climbers for certain helicopter rescues in designated mountainous areas since 2018. Neighboring Shizuoka is also considering mandatory climbing registration for off-season ascents.