Trekking to the summit of Mount Fuji? You aren't alone. According to a report in Japan Today, more foreign tourists are climbing the tallest mountain in Japan than ever.
Foreign visitors account for 40 percent of overnight guests, Akira Kajihara, who operates a mountain lodge, told Japan Today.
"I thank them for coming here as the number of Japanese guests is decreasing," he said.
According to Japan Today, "approximately 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji each year using the Yoshida Trail that leads to the summit from the mountain's north side in Yamanashi."
Currently, foreign visitors account for about 30 percent of those trekkers during the week and approximately 20 percent of visitors on the weekend, according to an Environment Ministry survey conducted in August of last year.
The survey also found that there are more foreign tourists than ever visiting Mount Fuji. More than 70 percent of lodge operators on Mount Fuji said that they had more foreign guests last year than in the previous year, reports Japan Today.
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It makes sense that climbing Mount Fuji is becoming more popular. Many visitors are looking for more than just a mountain to summit but also for a cultural experience.
"The biggest attraction of climbing Mt Fuji is allowing people of different cultural backgrounds to go hand-in-hand toward a common goal while understanding each other," tour guide Eri Kodama told Japan Today.
For more on trekking Mount Fuji and why it is attracting more visitors, go here.
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