Mount Fuji snowless, shatters 130-year record

Experts link the lack of snowfall on Mount Fuji to broader climate change trends observed globally.

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Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, has not seen any snowfall this year, marking the latest time in history that the mountain has remained snow-free since records began 130 years ago.

Typically, the summit receives its first dusting of snow by early October. However, this year’s unusually warm weather has resulted in no snowfall being reported. Last year, snow was first observed on 5 October, according to the AFP news agency.

Japan experienced its hottest summer on record in 2023, with temperatures from June to August averaging 1.76°C (3.1°F) above normal.

Warmer-than-expected temperatures continued into September, attributed to the sub-tropical jet stream allowing a warmer air flow over the region.

In September alone, nearly 1,500 areas in Japan experienced "extremely hot" days, defined as temperatures reaching or exceeding 35°C (95°F). For snow to form, temperatures must be around freezing.

October has seen a slight easing in temperatures, but the month remains warmer than average. Approaching November without any snowfall marks the longest wait for a snowcap on Mount Fuji since data collection began in 1894.

The previous record for the latest snowfall was 26 October, noted in 1955 and 2016, according to Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at Kofu Local Meteorological Office.

While individual weather events cannot be directly linked to climate change, the lack of snowfall aligns with predictions from climate experts in a warming world.

Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, stands at 3,776m (12,460 ft) and is visible from the capital on clear days. The volcano last erupted over 300 years ago and features prominently in historic Japanese artwork, including woodblock prints.

Last year, more than 220,000 people ascended the peak between July and September.