Japan's Mount Fuji snowless for longest time on record: Video
Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, has yet to receive its first snowfall of the season as of Monday, October 28.
This marks the latest date for such an occurrence since record-keeping began 130 years ago, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Typically, the mountain's snowcap begins to form around October 2, with last year's first snowfall detected on October 5.
This year, however, unusually warm weather has prevented any snowfall, with meteorologist Yutaka Katsuta from the Kofu Local Meteorological Office noting that this year’s record-setting date surpasses the previous latest snowfall date of October 26, which occurred in 1955 and again in 2016.
Katsuta attributed the delay to persistently high temperatures during the summer, which have lingered into September, inhibiting the arrival of the cold air necessary for snow formation. This summer was one of the hottest on record in Japan, aligning with global heatwaves exacerbated by climate change.
Mount Fuji typically remains snow-covered for most of the year, and during the July-September hiking season, it attracts over 220,000 visitors who often trek overnight to witness the sunrise from its 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) summit.
This year, however, visitor numbers have declined following the introduction of an entry fee and a cap on daily visitors aimed at managing overtourism.
The mountain, celebrated in countless artworks, including Hokusai's famous "Great Wave," last erupted approximately 300 years ago and continues to be a symbol of Japan's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
