A rare sight: Mount Fuji experiences longest snowless period in 130 years

November has begun but Japan's iconic Mount Fuji remains snowless, a rare phenomenon last observed 130 years ago. Climate experts attribute this unprecedented event to the unusually high temperatures Japan experienced this year.

Typically, Mount Fuji begins forming a snowcap at the start of October; last year, snow was first seen on its peak on October 5. 

However, as November begins, Japan's highest mountain remains without snow.

This year’s lack of snow broke a 134-year record, surpassing a previous milestone set in 1894 when data collection formally began. 

The snowless pattern in 2024 has even exceeded October 26, the latest first snow date recorded twice in 2016 and 1955.

“Temperatures were high this summer, and these warm conditions continued into September, preventing the arrival of cold air necessary for snowfall,” said Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, to AFP.

Japan endured intense heat in 2024, similar to the sweltering temperatures experienced in 2023.

As Japan’s most famous tourist destination, Mount Fuji is usually snow-capped for much of the year. Between July and September, tourists flock to the site to catch sunrise from its 3,776-meter summit.

The scenic mountain, last erupted over 300 years ago, is visible from Tokyo on clear days.