In brief
As of late October 2023, Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak, maintains its snowless status, marking the latest onset of snow in the mountain's recorded history spanning 130 years.
Mount Fuji, at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) high, is renowned for its iconic snow-capped summit, typically adorned with snow by early October. However, this year is exceptional as it remains completely bare of snow, causing significant environmental concern amidst warmer weather trends. The past summer was recorded as one of Japan's hottest, with temperatures soaring 1.76°C (35.1°F) above average during June to August. The unusually warm septermber maintained these patterns, influenced by a shift in the sub-tropical jet stream that brought in warmer air from the south. According to Japan's Meteorological Society, nearly 1,500 locations across the country experienced "extremely hot" days, where the mercury exceeded 35°C (95°F).Despite some easing of temperatures in October, they are still above the historical averages, with the snow typically requiring temperatures to hit around freezing. The absence of snowfall as November approaches has set a new record for the longest wait for snow at the peak, surpassing the previous late snowfall dates of October 26 recorded in 1955 and 2016. Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo, is a significant cultural symbol of Japan, often depicted in traditional artworks, including woodblock prints. Over 220,000 climbers ascended the mountain between July and September last year. Measures have been discussed to manage the impact of tourism on the mountain’s environment.
