Mount Fuji's First Snowfall: A Delayed Sign of Winter

This winter, the iconic peak of Mount Fuji witnessed its first snowfall on Thursday, arriving 21 days later than the average date since records began in 1894, as confirmed by the meteorological agency.

Interestingly, this year's snowy milestone occurred two weeks earlier than in 2024 when snow first settled on the mountain on November 7, setting a record for the latest first snowfall. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, is more than a geographical landmark; it's a revered cultural symbol, inspiring many artistic works, including the famed 'Great Wave Off Kanagawa' by Katsushika Hokusai, which is now featured on Japan's 1,000-yen note.

The delay in Mount Fuji's initial snowfall over recent years remains a mystery, as noted by Mamoru Matsumoto from the Kofu observatory office. Meanwhile, Japan reported its highest-ever temperatures, with Isesaki reaching 41.8 degrees Celsius in August. According to the Kofu observatory definition, Fuji's 'first' snowfall is recorded when any part of the mountain is visibly covered in snow or has 'white-looking solid precipitation' when observed from below.