The official climbing season for Mount Fuji kicked off July 1 amid added fanfare over the iconic peak's inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site in late June.

Straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, Japan's highest peak, at 3,776 meters, has seen a surge in recent years in hikers heading to the top, and with this year's heritage designation, more domestic and international attention is expected.

To deal with the expected throngs and keep the trails safe and clean of litter, the two prefectures are looking to charge a hiking fee this summer on a trial basis.