Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, has finally reclaimed its snow-covered cap after a record-breaking delay that left it without snow for the longest period in 130 years.
This event marks a milestone in the mountain’s seasonal cycle, as the first snowfall typically signals the arrival of winter on Japan’s highest and most revered peak. However, this year, the mountain’s snow-covered summit was notably absent for an extended period, much longer than expected, due to unusually warm temperatures and extreme weather patterns.
The Japan Meteorological Agency officially reported that snow was spotted on Mount Fuji’s summit on Thursday, November 7, marking the first snowfall of the season. This snowfall occurred much later than usual, and it is the latest recorded snowfall on Mount Fuji since 1894. For comparison, the first snow of the previous year fell on October 5, making this year’s snowfall nearly a month later than typical. The event has caught the attention of both locals and tourists, as it represents a significant weather anomaly in Japan, especially following one of the hottest summers on record.
Mount Fuji’s first snowfall is an eagerly awaited event in Japan, symbolizing the change of seasons and the onset of colder weather. The snow typically begins to accumulate around the mountain’s 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) summit. For many years, the mountain’s first snowfall was observed with great anticipation, as it serves as a benchmark for the changing weather patterns in Japan. The “first snowfall” is defined as the moment when snow begins to cover the peak, either partially or completely, marking the transition from autumn to winter.
This year, however, the mountain’s snow-capped summit was delayed by unusually high temperatures. The warmer-than-usual weather, particularly the hot summer months, caused a shift in the typical weather patterns that govern Mount Fuji’s seasonal changes. This year, temperatures on the mountain’s summit remained significantly higher than average for an extended period, causing the first snow to fall more than a month later than anticipated.
Mamoru Matsumoto, a staff member of the Kofu observatory office, which monitors weather patterns around Mount Fuji, expressed a sense of relief upon confirming the first snowfall. Matsumoto noted that the delay had been unsettling, as the high temperatures at the peak of Mount Fuji throughout October made it unlikely that snow would fall. The temperature at the summit during October was recorded at a warm 1.6°C (34.88°F), a stark contrast to the typical October average of -2°C (28.4°F).
The delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji is attributed to a combination of factors, including Japan’s record-breaking summer and its lingering effects. Japan’s summer of 2024 was one of the hottest on record, with average temperatures between June and August rising by 1.76°C (3.17°F) above the usual levels. This intense heat contributed to the delayed arrival of snow on Mount Fuji, as the mountain’s cooler temperatures failed to arrive in time for the traditional snowfall.
In addition to the heat, the country also experienced higher-than-usual rainfall in October, which prevented snow from accumulating in the usual manner. The rain that fell at higher altitudes failed to freeze due to the abnormally warm conditions. This combination of factors resulted in a much longer delay in the appearance of snow on the mountain’s summit. Experts caution that while it’s difficult to directly attribute the delay in snowfall to climate change, the trend is consistent with predictions made by climate scientists about the impacts of global warming. As the planet continues to warm, it is expected that weather patterns like delayed snowfalls will become more frequent.
BBC
Mount Fuji holds a special place in Japan’s cultural and spiritual history. The peak has been a symbol of beauty, strength, and reverence for centuries. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and poetry, and is one of Japan’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The mountain’s first snowfall is not only a weather event but also a significant cultural moment that signals the arrival of winter.
The delayed snowfall this year has attracted attention from around the world, with both Japanese citizens and international visitors commenting on the event. Locals took to social media to celebrate the long-awaited appearance of the snow, sharing photos and videos of the snow-covered peak. One excited Twitter user remarked, “I’ve been waiting for this moment all year,” reflecting the anticipation felt by many in Japan.
The snowfall also drew attention from tourists, with people from around the globe flocking to see Mount Fuji’s snowcapped peak. Among them was Maria Gabriel, a 28-year-old tourist from Texas, who specifically traveled to Japan to witness the sight of the sacred mountain covered in snow. “It’s beautiful with the snow, and that was kind of what our expectations were coming to Japan,” Gabriel said. The sight of Mount Fuji’s snowcapped summit is indeed an iconic image recognized worldwide.
The Kofu observatory office, which is responsible for monitoring weather patterns around Mount Fuji, carefully tracks the mountain’s weather changes throughout the year. According to the office’s staff, the delay in Mount Fuji’s first snowfall was partly due to the record high temperatures at the mountain’s summit during October. The average temperature during that time remained unusually warm, preventing the typical shift to colder conditions that would trigger the onset of snow.
Historically, the first snowfall on Mount Fuji has occurred as early as September, but the most common time is in early to mid-October. This year’s snow arrived on November 7, marking the latest first snowfall since records began in 1894. The delay in snowfall is a rare occurrence, but it highlights the unpredictability of the region’s climate patterns in the context of ongoing global temperature changes.
Mount Fuji’s snowfall is an important meteorological event in Japan, and it often marks the beginning of the country’s winter season. The summit’s snowfall is closely monitored by various meteorological agencies, including the Japan Meteorological Agency, which keeps a careful eye on weather patterns in the region. The first snowfall is not only a significant visual event but also a key indicator of the changing seasons that impact agriculture, tourism, and the daily lives of those who live in the surrounding areas.
Mount Fuji is not only the highest peak in Japan but also a powerful cultural symbol. Its majestic, symmetrical shape and snowcapped summit have inspired artists, poets, and writers for centuries. The mountain’s image is prevalent in various forms of art, from traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints to modern-day photography and digital artwork. Mount Fuji has been featured in numerous Japanese legends and is considered a sacred site by many people in Japan, especially in the Shinto faith. Pilgrimages to the mountain’s summit have been a part of Japanese spiritual practices for hundreds of years.
In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, Mount Fuji is a popular tourist destination. Hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world come to Japan each year to experience the beauty of the mountain and its surrounding landscape. The mountain is particularly famous for its climbing season, which typically takes place in the summer, and its breathtaking views from the summit, where visitors can witness a panoramic vista of Japan’s countryside and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean.
The snowy peak of Mount Fuji is particularly cherished by those who visit during the winter months, when the mountain is often bathed in the glow of the setting sun, creating a stunning, serene scene. As such, the first snowfall on Mount Fuji is seen as the culmination of the year’s seasonal changes, a visual marker of winter’s arrival, and a moment of reflection for both locals and tourists.
While this year’s delayed snowfall cannot be directly linked to climate change, the occurrence fits into broader climate patterns observed in Japan and around the world. Japan has been experiencing warmer temperatures in recent decades, with summers becoming increasingly hotter and winters showing signs of erratic behavior. The warm temperatures and shifting weather patterns make it harder to predict the onset of seasonal changes, including the timing of Mount Fuji’s first snowfall.
Experts have noted that the unusual weather patterns seen this year, such as the late snowfall, align with what climate models predict for a warming world. As global temperatures continue to rise, it is expected that many regions will see shifts in their seasonal patterns. In some cases, this will mean later snowfalls, shorter winters, and warmer temperatures during traditionally cold months. This shift may have far-reaching implications for the environment, agriculture, tourism, and daily life in regions like Japan.
Mount Fuji’s first snowfall this year marks a significant event not only for meteorologists but also for Japan’s cultural identity. Despite the delay caused by unusually warm weather, the snow-capped peak is a powerful reminder of the changing seasons and the mountain’s enduring symbolism in Japanese culture. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, events like Mount Fuji’s delayed snowfall highlight the unpredictable nature of our planet’s climate and the need for continued vigilance and adaptation. For now, Mount Fuji stands as a symbol of nature’s beauty and the awe it inspires, reminding us of the delicate balance between our natural world and the forces shaping its future.
Mount Fuji remains snowless for longer than ever before.
Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain, experienced a record-breaking delay in snowfall this year, making it the latest in history since records began 130 years ago. Typically, the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji begins to show signs of winter in early October, but this year, due to unusually warm weather patterns, no snow was reported until much later in the season.
This delay has sparked widespread interest and concern, as Japan faced one of its hottest summers on record in 2024. The high temperatures, combined with other climatic factors, led to the later-than-expected arrival of snow on the summit, breaking the previous record for the latest snowfall, which occurred on October 26 in both 1955 and 2016. This year, snow was only spotted on Mount Fuji’s peak in early November, marking the longest period the mountain has remained without snow since the first recorded observation in 1894.
Japan’s meteorological data reveals that temperatures between June and August 2024 were significantly higher than average, with an increase of 1.76°C (3.1°F) compared to typical years. This contributed to the unusually warm conditions around Mount Fuji, preventing the formation of snow at its usual time. The heat persisted into September, as the sub-tropical jet stream shifted further north, allowing a warmer air mass from the south to flow over Japan. This shift in air patterns made temperatures higher than expected, particularly in the region surrounding Mount Fuji.
A jet stream is a fast-moving current of air in the upper atmosphere that flows around the planet. When the jet stream moves northward, it allows warmer air from the southern latitudes to flow into northern regions, leading to higher-than-average temperatures. In Japan, this shift resulted in some of the hottest conditions ever recorded, with nearly 1,500 areas reaching what is classified as “extremely hot” days, where temperatures reached or exceeded 35°C (95°F). These prolonged warm conditions meant that the temperatures on Mount Fuji remained high enough for rain to fall instead of snow, as the temperature needs to be around freezing for snow to form.
Normally, Mount Fuji’s first snowfall is an eagerly anticipated event in Japan. Snow on the peak signals the arrival of winter and is a part of the annual cycle that the locals and visitors expect. Last year, the first snow on the mountain was observed on October 5, but this year, the peak remained snowless well into November. The Japan Meteorological Society confirmed that the absence of snow until this late stage marked the longest wait for a snowcap since the agency began recording data in 1894. The previous latest first snowfall occurred on October 26 in both 1955 and 2016, but this year’s delay exceeded those past records by several days.
While the temperature in October began to cool slightly, it still remained higher than average, which contributed to the delayed arrival of snow. As a result, the snow-covered peak that is so synonymous with Mount Fuji’s image remained absent for a significant amount of time, leaving locals and visitors eagerly awaiting the moment when the mountain would finally be capped with snow. The delayed snowfall has drawn attention from meteorologists, climate experts, and the public alike, raising questions about the long-term effects of climate change on seasonal weather patterns in Japan and around the world.
Though it is difficult to directly attribute a single weather event to climate change, the delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji is consistent with trends that experts predict in a warming world. Rising global temperatures are expected to lead to unpredictable weather patterns, including delays in the onset of winter, warmer-than-average temperatures during traditionally cold months, and altered precipitation patterns. The delayed snow on Mount Fuji could be a sign of these broader climatic changes, as the warming climate continues to disrupt traditional weather cycles.
The warmer-than-usual temperatures that Japan experienced in 2024 align with what climate models suggest will happen as global temperatures continue to rise. Such weather anomalies are becoming more common and are expected to increase in frequency as the planet’s climate shifts. While it is impossible to link any single weather pattern to climate change, the lack of snowfall on Mount Fuji serves as a reminder of the increasingly erratic nature of weather patterns in a changing world.
Mount Fuji is not just Japan’s tallest mountain; it is a symbol of national pride, cultural identity, and spiritual significance. The mountain has been an object of reverence for centuries, inspiring artists, poets, and writers alike. It is featured prominently in Japanese art, particularly in woodblock prints from the Edo period, and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.
The mountain is considered sacred by many, and climbing Mount Fuji is a spiritual journey for those who make the ascent. The mountain’s near-perfect cone shape and its snow-capped peak have become iconic symbols of Japan, representing beauty, strength, and endurance. Mount Fuji’s role in Japanese culture extends beyond its appearance in art and literature; it is also an important destination for religious pilgrimage, particularly within the Shinto faith.
Each year, thousands of people from around the world climb to the summit during the climbing season, which typically runs from early July to early September. In 2023, more than 220,000 climbers made the ascent to the peak. The first snowfall on Mount Fuji is not just a meteorological event, but a visual and cultural milestone that marks the end of the climbing season and the beginning of winter. Its delayed arrival this year only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the mountain’s seasonal changes.
Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe who come to admire its beauty and take in the breathtaking views. The mountain is visible from Tokyo on clear days, and many tourists visit the area to see the peak, especially when it is dusted with snow. The mountain’s iconic image appears in countless photographs, postcards, and souvenirs, cementing its status as a global symbol of Japan.
Tourists also visit the area to experience the surrounding nature, including hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the nearby lakes and hot springs. However, the snow-covered peak is one of the most sought-after sights, and visitors often plan their trips to coincide with the first snowfall. The delay in snow this year has undoubtedly affected some visitors’ expectations, as they hoped to see the traditional snow-capped peak that is so widely associated with Mount Fuji.
The tourism industry around Mount Fuji benefits not only from the summer climbing season but also from the appeal of the winter months when the snow adds a magical layer to the mountain’s already stunning landscape. As more tourists visit the mountain, the area has developed a robust infrastructure to accommodate visitors, offering everything from guided tours to accommodation in nearby towns. Mount Fuji’s delayed snowfall this year may influence future tourism patterns, as travelers who visit in November and beyond may see a different landscape than they anticipated.
The effects of climate change on Mount Fuji’s snowfall are not just of concern to meteorologists; they also have potential environmental and economic implications. Mount Fuji’s ecosystem, including its plant and animal life, is directly influenced by the weather patterns and seasonal changes in the region. The timing of snowfall, as well as its duration, affects everything from the local water supply to the health of the surrounding forests and wildlife.
The delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji may also have an impact on the agricultural sectors that depend on the mountain’s climate. For example, the mountain’s snowmelt provides a vital source of water for surrounding regions, and any shift in the timing of this runoff could affect irrigation schedules and water availability. The warmer temperatures and later snowfall could also change the types of plants and crops that can thrive in the area, potentially disrupting local agriculture.
Economically, the tourism industry around Mount Fuji could be affected by changes in weather patterns. Tourists who visit the region to experience the mountain’s iconic snowcapped peak may be disappointed by delays in snowfall, which could influence their decision to visit in the future. On the other hand, warmer weather could lead to longer tourism seasons, although this could come with its own set of challenges, such as overcrowding or environmental degradation caused by increased foot traffic during the warmer months.
Mount Fuji’s delayed snowfall is a significant event that highlights the complex relationship between weather, climate change, and cultural identity. While a single instance of delayed snowfall cannot be attributed solely to climate change, the trend is consistent with predictions about the future of weather patterns in a warming world. As temperatures rise globally, weather events like this may become more common, affecting not only the natural environment but also the cultural and economic activities that depend on the stability of seasonal patterns.
For now, Mount Fuji stands as a symbol of Japan’s enduring beauty and resilience, a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world in the face of changing climates. The delayed snowfall this year has captured the attention of both locals and tourists, but it also serves as a call to action to address the broader challenges posed by climate change in the years to come.
