Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has finally received its first snowfall of the season after experiencing the longest delay in snow coverage since records began 130 years ago. The snow was sighted on Wednesday, 6 November, by the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Shizuoka branch, marking a month-long delay in the first snowfall typically expected on the peak.
The snowfall was welcomed with excitement by locals and tourists alike, many of whom shared photos and expressed their delight on social media. One user commented, “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this,” while another wrote, “I’ve never been so excited for the first snowfall this year.” The delayed snowfall followed Japan’s hottest summer on record, with temperatures between June and August reaching 1.76°C (3.1°F) above average, tying with 2003 for the warmest summer.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s Kofu office confirmed the snow on Thursday, as clouds initially blocked the view from the summit on Wednesday. This delayed snowfall surpassed previous records, with the latest snowfall previously observed on 26 October in 1955 and again in 2016.
Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo and standing at 3,776 metres (12,460 feet), is one of Japan’s most beloved natural landmarks and attracts visitors from around the world. The delay in snowfall is consistent with warmer autumn temperatures, aligning with scientific predictions of climate change impacts on seasonal weather patterns.