Mount Fuji Experiences First Snowfall After Record Delay

Japan’s Mount Fuji has received its initial snowfall, marking the end of the longest period without snow since records began 130 years ago. Snow descended upon Japan’s highest peak approximately one month later than anticipated, as the nation recovers from one of its warmest summers. The news was positively received, with local residents celebrating and sharing photographs of the snow-covered summit. Mount Fuji is recognized as one of Japan’s most frequented tourist attractions and has inspired artistic works for centuries. Snow was observed on Wednesday, 6 November, by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Shizuoka branch. As images of the snowy peak circulated on Wednesday, an X user commented, “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this.” Another individual wrote, “I’ve never been so excited for the first snowfall this year.” “Finally… make-up makes you look even more beautiful,” read a third tweet, referring to the white peak. The weather agency’s office in Kofu officially confirmed the presence of snow on Mount Fuji’s peak on Thursday. This confirmation could not be made on Wednesday due to clouds obstructing the view of the summit. This represented the most delayed sighting since 2023, when snow was first observed on the summit on 5 October, according to AFP news agency. The previous record for delayed snowfall was 26 October, which occurred twice, in 1955 and 2016. Located south-west of Tokyo, Mount Fuji stands at 3,776m (12,460 ft). It last erupted just over 300 years ago and is visible from the capital on a clear day. With temperatures between June and August 1.76C (3.1F) higher than average, Japan experienced its joint hottest summer on record, the other being in 2003. The warmer-than-usual weather continued into September. While it is difficult to directly attribute delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji to climate change, this event is consistent with what experts predict in a warming world.