Hikers attempting any of Mount Fuji’s four main trails will be charged an entry fee of 4,000 yen (£21) from this summer, after local authorities passed a bill on Monday.

A record influx of foreign tourists to Japan has raised concerns about overcrowding on the country’s highest mountain, once a tranquil pilgrimage destination.

A number of regions in Japan are exploring measures to address overtourism, including Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, which has proposed raising the entrance fee for non-residents to visit its historic castle.

The Telegraph revealed last month that Kyoto is considering a dual-pricing system on buses that would see tourists pay higher fares.

Last year, the Yamanashi region - home to Mount Fuji - introduced a 2,000 yen entry fee, along with an optional donation, for the popular Yoshida Trail, which leads to the active volcano. In addition, daily entry caps and online reservations were implemented for the trail due to concerns about safety and environmental impact on Mount Fuji’s majestic slopes.