Mount Fuji in Japan has finally seen its first snowfall after experiencing the longest snow-free period recorded in 130 years. Snowfall on Japan’s tallest peak occurred roughly a month later than usual, following one of the country’s hottest summers. The sighting brought joy to locals, who shared images of the snow-dusted mountain online.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s Shizuoka branch observed the snow on Wednesday, November 6. Social media responses were enthusiastic, with one user writing, “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this,” and another sharing, “I’ve never been so excited for the first snowfall this year.” A third tweet humorously likened the snowy peak to makeup, saying, “Finally… make-up makes you look even more beautiful.”
On Thursday, the Kofu branch of the weather agency officially confirmed the snow, as Wednesday’s observation was cloud-obstructed. According to AFP, this is the latest snow sighting since October 5, 2023, breaking the previous delay record set on October 26, which occurred in 1955 and again in 2016.
Mount Fuji, a 3,776-meter (12,460 feet) volcano located southwest of Tokyo, last erupted over 300 years ago and is often visible from the city on clear days. This summer, Japan recorded its joint warmest temperatures on record, with June to August averaging 1.76°C (3.1°F) above normal, similar to the high temperatures of 2003. Although it’s uncertain if climate change is directly causing delayed snowfalls on Mount Fuji, the warmer autumn aligns with predictions for a warming climate.
