Japan’s favorite tourist spot Mt Fuji will be closed this summer, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Officials announced that three of the four major routes leading to the mountain’s peak will remain closed. The routes normally open in summer. However, this year the routes will remain closed from July 10 to September 10.
This will be first time the routes to the mountain will be closed, since at least 1960. The decision comes after Shizuoka Prefecture, which manages three of four routes to Japan’s highest peak decided to shut all paths. Normally, hordes of climbers make their way up between July and September each year.
Yamanashi, another central Japan prefecture, has also announced to close the fourth path that leads to th peak of the 3,776-meter-volcanic mountain. The Yoshida track is said to be the most famous, with about 60% of climbers using it. In addition, the cabins dotted along the routes, for climbers to rest will also be closed.
A UNESCO world cultural heritage site, Mt Fuji attracted about 236,000 climbers last year.
What Else?
Considering the current situation, summer plans looks bleak in most countries around the world. However, Spain has introduced a new way to allow residents to enjoy the season. Local councils in Spain have figured a new way to make beaches COVID safe. The new system will allow beachgoers to book their space in advance via a mobile phone app. This way, only a certain number of people will be permitted to enter the beach per day.
Canet d’en Berenguer, a Mediterranean beach town just 20 miles north of Valencia, will now be accessible only on basis of reservation. Those who want a spot must download an app to book their spot and times. The beach will be covered with a system of nets, leaving square sections for visitors to pick. The sections are separated by a distance of six feet.
Only 5000 people will be allowed to enter the beach per day- which is half of its normal capacity. People who wish to visit the beach can book a morning or an afternoon spot, but not both. In addition, arrival times will also be staggered to avoid crowding at the beach entrances. Upon arrival, visitors must first check-in with the beach staff. They will then be led to their section of the beach.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic beaches of Sanxenxo also plans to limit visitors on a first-come-first serve basis. The beach will also be separated into sections, five feet apart, to ensure social distancing. There will be smaller sections for couples and larger ones for groups.
Spain hopes to open beaches in June, but the decision still remains fluid.