Japan’s Mt. Fuji, the country’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, has recorded its latest snowfall since records began 130 years ago. The first snow of the season was observed on November 6, 2024, marking a significant delay compared to usual patterns. Typically, Mt. Fuji’s summit sees its first snow in early October, but the extremely warm temperatures of recent months have delayed the arrival of winter.
Unseasonably Warm Weather
For much of the past few months, warm weather has persisted in the region, with the average temperature at Mt. Fuji’s summit reaching 1.6°C during October. This was the highest recorded temperature for the month since records began in 1932, and 3.6°C above average for the time of year. The late snowfall follows a trend of warmer-than-usual conditions across Japan, which experienced its hottest summer on record in 2024. Many regions saw temperatures exceeding 40°C during the peak summer months from June to August.
Historical Context
The previous latest snowfall record on Mt. Fuji occurred in 1955 and 2016, both years seeing the first snow on October 26. Last year, the first snowfall came on October 5. This year’s delay in snowfall is significant, indicating the continued influence of climate change on Japan’s seasonal patterns.
Impact of Over-Tourism
In addition to its weather records, Mt. Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic natural landmarks and cultural symbols. It regularly draws thousands of tourists who come to admire the stunning view of the snow-capped peak, which is also visible from Tokyo on clear days. The mountain’s image is a frequent subject in Japanese art, particularly in the famous “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series by artist Hokusai.
However, as the mountain’s popularity grows, Japan has also begun to implement measures to curb over-tourism. These measures aim to protect the environment around Mt. Fuji while balancing the growing demand for access to the site.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Temperatures
The delayed snowfall on Mt. Fuji is just one of many weather events that reflect a broader climate trend in Japan. The country has faced extremely hot conditions throughout the summer and into the fall, with nearly 1,500 areas across Japan recording “extremely hot” days of 35°C or higher in September.
The unprecedented heat and the late arrival of snow on Mt. Fuji highlight the ongoing impacts of climate change in the region. These changes in weather patterns are becoming increasingly evident, prompting both scientific and public attention to environmental shifts in Japan’s natural landscapes.
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