Warm Up
Do you like mountains?
What is the tallest mountain in your country?
What is a popular tourist spot in your country?
Reading
Japanese officials want to limit the number of people allowed to climb Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest peak, a volcano and one of Japan's three holiest mountains. Depending on which hiking route is followed, the climb to the top and back down can take as long as 11 hours. Some do the climb over two days, and there are cabins on the mountain for people to stay the night or just need to rest.
About 300,000 people hike to the top of the mountain every year during the summer climbing season from July to September according to the Japanese government's public relations office. Officials have said the number of climbers for the 2023 summer season could be far higher than usual, based on the number of bookings for cabins. There are concerns that people who aren't able to book a cabin will try to climb to the peak without rest, putting themselves at risk of injury and health problems.
The Japan Times reported that a petition was submitted to the governor of Yamanashi prefecture, where Mount Fuji's most popular hiking route is located, suggesting that the number of climbers be limited "even for just a short amount of time." One official said she was worried about tourists from overseas climbing the mountain unprepared. "We really want them to be careful. There are deaths every year," she told The Japan Times, adding that it's not an easy climb.
Reading Comprehension
How many people climb Mount Fuji every year during the summer season?
How long can the hike to the top and back down take?
Why do officials think the number of climbers for the 2023 season will be higher than usual?
Discussion Questions
What are your thoughts on limiting the number of climbers on Mount Fuji?
Have you climbed Mount Fuji? If so, how long did the entire hike take you? If not, would you like to?
Are you into hiking? What are the best hikes you've been on?
Have you ever been unprepared for an activity or experience?
Have you visited any natural attractions that were crowded with people?
Who are the most outdoorsy people you know?
Are there any outdoor activities you'd like to try or do more of?
What areas of your country would you recommend to people who love nature?
What are your country's most famous natural attractions?
Climbing is as close as we can come to flying. — Margaret Young. What are your thoughts on this statement?
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