The climbing season on Japan’s Mount Fuji has begun in full. Three trails on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of the mountain opened Wednesday, meaning all the trails leading to the peak can now be used.
But officials are calling on climbers to be cautious after a man was found unconscious near the summit on opening day.
A ceremony was held at the foot of the mountain early Wednesday morning to pray for a safe climbing season.
More than 84,000 people climbed Mount Fuji using the Shizuoka Prefecture routes last year.
Starting this year, trekkers are required to register online in advance as well as list their itinerary and whether they plan to stay overnight in a mountain hut.
The mountain straddles two prefectures.
Another route in Yamanashi Prefecture opened earlier this month.
Meanwhile, police say a man was found unconscious and in critical condition after he fell near the summit on Wednesday.
The police say they believe the man was climbing alone and that it was raining and windy at the time.
They are calling on people to be on alert as weather conditions on the mountain can change rapidly.