Mount Fuji: As Japan nears the end of October without a snowcapped Mount Fuji, the country is witnessing an unprecedented event: this is the latest in 130 years that Japan’s iconic peak has gone without its first snowfall. Normally dusted in snow by early October, Mount Fuji remains bare as November approaches, raising concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the climate crisis on one of Japan’s most beloved natural landmarks.
The Kofu Local Meteorological Office, responsible for announcing Mount Fuji’s first snowfall since its establishment in 1894, has not yet declared the arrival of snow this year due to unusually warm temperatures. “High temperatures in Japan have persisted since the summer, and rain has contributed to the lack of snowfall on the mountain,” explained Shinichi Yanagi, a meteorological officer at the Kofu office. Breaking the record of October 26—previously set in 1955 and 2016—Mount Fuji’s snow delay is a stark sign of Japan’s changing climate.
Record Heat Adds to Mount Fuji’s Delayed Snowfall
Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with temperatures from June to August rising 1.76°C above the seasonal norm. This record-breaking summer was not an isolated event; October also saw warmer-than-average temperatures, with at least 74 cities across Japan reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) or above, according to Climate Central. The combination of El Niño and human-driven climate change has accelerated warming, making Japan’s October heat three times more likely due to climate change.
The natural climate pattern El Niño, known for increasing global temperatures, coupled with ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, has exacerbated temperature hikes worldwide. Scientists warn that keeping global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is critical to avoiding catastrophic impacts, a threshold Japan’s recent climate trends indicate may be in jeopardy.
Cultural and Environmental Implications of Fuji’s Snow Delay
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site located southwest of Tokyo, is an enduring symbol of Japan, frequently depicted in historical Japanese artwork and photographs. Straddling the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, the mountain stands at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet) and is typically covered in snow throughout the year, drawing millions of tourists each season.
Traditionally, Mount Fuji’s first snowfall signals the arrival of winter following the summer climbing season, which ends each September. With no snow in sight, tourism, local economies, and even ecological systems in the region could face repercussions if these warming trends persist. Later snowfall in regions like Mount Fuji could reduce seasonal tourism, impact water resources, and pose challenges for communities that rely on regular winter weather.
Mount Fuji’s Future in a Warming World
The situation on Mount Fuji aligns with global trends showing reduced snowpacks across the Northern Hemisphere over the past 40 years. Warmer winters, less snowfall, and prolonged delays in seasonal weather are likely to become the norm if climate action is not intensified. For Japan, Mount Fuji’s snow delay could be an indicator of future climate challenges impacting cultural icons, natural resources, and everyday life.
While a single snowless season does not alone confirm the impacts of climate change, it is consistent with expert predictions about a warming planet. Mount Fuji’s snowless autumn provides a stark reminder of the urgent need for global climate solutions to protect the world’s natural wonders and the ecosystems that depend on them.
As the situation develops, residents and climate advocates hope for the arrival of snowfall on Mount Fuji, which has long symbolized Japan’s natural beauty and resilience. But as temperatures continue to rise, the question remains: how will climate change continue to impact Mount Fuji and the cherished traditions it represents?
