Shizuoka Prefecture announces the implementation of a helicopter charging system for search and rescue operations during Mount Fuji's closure period

Mountain disasters frequently occurred during the closure of Mount Fuji. In order to prevent people from venturing to climb Mount Fuji during the closed period, Yasutomo Suzuki, the governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, announced yesterday (2nd) that a charging system will be implemented when using Shizuoka Prefecture search and rescue helicopters for rescue operations in the future.

"Shizuoka First TV" reported that Yamanashi Prefecture took the lead in announcing in September this year that the county's helicopter search and rescue would be changed to a fee-based system for mountain climbing activities on Mount Fuji during closed periods. In this regard, Suzuki Yasutomo said at the prefectural assembly yesterday that for search and rescue helicopters in Shizuoka Prefecture, "we will implement charges in line with Yamanashi Prefecture."

Helicopter search and rescue operations on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mount Fuji may be carried out by the prefectural government, police and fire fighters, but this search and rescue charge is only for search and rescue helicopters in Shizuoka Prefecture. The county government expects to complete the formulation of regulations in 2026 to prepare for the next mountain closure period.

Regarding the specific fees, Shizuoka Prefecture will refer to Saitama Prefecture’s practice of charging mountain helicopter search and rescue fees (8,000 yen per 5 minutes, approximately NT$1,642). In the future, Shizuoka Prefecture will also coordinate with Yamanashi Prefecture to keep the fee standards of the two counties consistent.