Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has finally received its first snowfall of the season, marking the end of the mountain’s longest snow-free streak in recorded history. On Wednesday, November 6, photographs shared by local authorities and residents confirmed a thin layer of snow blanketing the summit of Japan’s highest peak. The delayed snowfall has ignited conversation about climate change and global warming, which scientists suspect is playing a role in the unpredictable weather patterns that are affecting seasonal phenomena worldwide.
The news of Mount Fuji’s snow cover comes after a delay so significant that it set a new record, surpassing the previous one of October 26, observed both in 1955 and 2016. Local government agencies, such as Fuji City Hall, used social media to share the stunning images, showing a thin but undeniable layer of snow capping the active volcano’s peak. The official X account of Fuji City shared, “These are photos of Mount Fuji, seen from the city hall this morning. We could see a thin layer of snow cover near the summit,” confirming what many had been waiting for.
Other residents from the Shizuoka region also posted their own images of Mount Fuji’s long-awaited transformation. “Finally, the first snow cover! Mount Fuji looks good with snow,” read a post from a nursing home in Fuji City. The snow was more than a picturesque change; for many locals and environmentalists, it marked a troubling sign of how climate change may be impacting one of Japan’s most iconic symbols.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) records show that Mount Fuji’s snowcap usually forms around October 2. The first appearance of snow last year was documented on October 5, observed by government meteorologists stationed in Kofu City. This year, however, even by October 26, snow remained absent, leading meteorologists and residents alike to wait anxiously for the mountain’s usual white crown.
Unfortunately, cloudy conditions near JMA’s Kofu City monitoring station have hampered the agency from officially announcing the record-breaking delay. While visual evidence from multiple angles confirms the snow’s presence, the JMA has been cautious, awaiting a clearer view from the monitoring site. Despite these obstacles, a JMA official acknowledged the delay, confirming the prolonged warmth in October as one reason for the lack of snowfall. “The temperature in October at the top of Mount Fuji was warmer than the average,” the official told AFP.
The delay in Mount Fuji’s snowcap is suspected to be influenced by the effects of climate change, a growing global concern. Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, a tie with the extreme temperatures of 2023. Heatwaves fueled by climate change affected many parts of the globe, including Japan, which saw record-breaking high temperatures. These unusual weather patterns are attributed to greenhouse gas emissions and a steady rise in global temperatures that have disrupted traditional seasonal cycles.
Mount Fuji is often snow-capped for the majority of the year, except during its hiking season from July to September, when warmer weather causes the snow to recede. This year, however, warmer-than-average temperatures persisted well into October. According to meteorologists, this unusual warmth at high altitudes contributed to the delay of the snowcap. While many other factors may be at play, the warming trend is an undeniable factor in this unprecedented event.
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has long been a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The near-perfect symmetry of its volcanic cone has been immortalized in countless pieces of Japanese art, most notably in Hokusai’s woodblock print series, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which includes the world-renowned The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The mountain holds immense cultural significance, drawing over 220,000 climbers each summer from around the world. For many, the sight of Mount Fuji capped in snow is an emblem of the natural cycle and a beacon of seasonal transition.
Yet, the record-breaking delay in snowfall on Mount Fuji underscores a shift in these natural cycles, with potential consequences for ecosystems and communities. This year’s delay has stirred not only the scientific community but also the public, who view the event as a concerning symbol of global climate change.
Japan’s tourism industry is also intertwined with Mount Fuji’s snowcap. For local businesses, the delayed snowfall had potential implications, as the sight of snow atop Mount Fuji attracts tourists and brings significant revenue to the surrounding areas. Additionally, winter sports enthusiasts and photographers eagerly await the sight of a snow-covered Fuji, hoping to capture its beauty against the winter sky.
Moreover, the prolonged snow-free period on Mount Fuji aligns with broader concerns about the potential decline of winter sports tourism in regions affected by warming climates. Japan, like many other mountainous regions worldwide, has already seen shorter and less predictable snow seasons, which could impact sports like skiing and snowboarding that contribute substantially to local economies.
Meteorologically, Mount Fuji’s snowfall patterns have been stable for most of recorded history. Snow typically forms on its peak once temperatures dip significantly in early October. At 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), Mount Fuji’s altitude contributes to a climate that is generally colder and harsher than the surrounding lower regions, which allows snow to accumulate and persist. However, the snowfall is dependent on a delicate balance of temperatures and atmospheric conditions.
When warmer-than-usual weather continues into autumn, the conditions required for snowfall at high altitudes become increasingly unstable. In the case of Mount Fuji, temperatures that should have dipped in early October remained higher due to atmospheric warming, postponing the arrival of snow.
Mountainous regions across the globe are facing similar changes, with warming temperatures leading to reduced snowfall and shrinking glaciers. From the Alps in Europe to the Rockies in North America, scientists have observed shortened snow seasons and an overall decline in snowfall, which can have far-reaching consequences.
The phenomena seen on Mount Fuji resonate with broader findings in climate science. A United Nations report on climate change indicates that rising temperatures disproportionately affect mountainous regions, impacting both ecosystems and local communities that rely on seasonal weather patterns. Japan’s meteorological agency has acknowledged that the country’s warming trends are accelerating faster than the global average, which could have a ripple effect on everything from agriculture to water resources.
The warming trends observed on Mount Fuji serve as a reminder of what could become a new norm in many parts of the world. As climate change continues to intensify, Japan’s national weather agency and other scientific bodies anticipate that these delayed seasonal patterns may become more frequent. For Mount Fuji specifically, the extended period without snow is a warning of potential long-term shifts that may alter its landscape and its cultural significance.
One potential consequence is the alteration of Mount Fuji’s ecosystem. Although Mount Fuji’s high altitude allows it to maintain cooler temperatures, prolonged warmth can stress the delicate balance of the alpine flora and fauna found on the mountain. The delayed snowfall can also lead to altered water cycles, affecting rivers and reservoirs that rely on seasonal snowmelt.
In response, local governments, environmental organizations, and tourism boards are beginning to explore adaptation measures. These may include initiatives to increase awareness about climate change, as well as efforts to preserve the mountain’s unique ecosystem. Japan’s government has also emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in alignment with global goals to limit warming and mitigate climate impacts.
For many who hold Mount Fuji in high regard, the delayed snowfall has been a striking example of climate change’s encroachment on cherished natural symbols. As one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks, the sight of Mount Fuji’s delayed snowcap has sparked conversations about environmental responsibility and the need for climate action.
Internationally, Japan has committed to reducing its carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. But as the impacts of climate change become more evident in beloved places like Mount Fuji, there is a growing call for urgent action. The prolonged snow-free period on the mountain highlights the stakes of climate inaction, especially for nations and communities that hold unique natural symbols close to their cultural identity.
