Mount Fuji ends hiking season with landslide, two rescued

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic volcano, concluded its summer climbing season on Thursday with a landslide at the final day of hiking. The downpour and heavy fog impacted the mountain's final day, causing concern among authorities. Three vehicles parked at the car park were swamped by the heavy rainfall, but no injuries were reported, according to a local official.

Shizuoka police rescued two hikers, one believed to be in his 30s or 40s and another in his 60s, found collapsed and fallen respectively on Wednesday. The incident occurred near the summit of the 3,776-metre volcano during dense mist and torrential rain. Despite the challenges, Mount Fuji continues to draw over 200,000 hikers annually from July to September.

Local authorities have implemented stricter access rules and visitor guidelines to handle overtourism and ensure safety. In a separate incident, Asian Games athletes were evacuated from their accommodation due to heavy rainfall in Nagoya city.