Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic and tallest peak, remains snow-free deep into October, setting a record for the latest first snowfall in 130 years. The last time the mountain remained bare this late in the year was on October 26, recorded twice previously in 1955 and 2016, according to the Kofu Local Meteorological Office.

Typically, Mount Fuji receives its first snow covering by early October. In 2023, the first snowfall was observed on October 5. However, a particularly warm year has prevented the usual early winter phenomenon, with Japan experiencing record-breaking heat from June through August. Japan’s Meteorological Society recorded nearly 1,500 instances of “extremely hot” days, where temperatures reached or exceeded 35°C (95°F).

This prolonged warmth is partly attributed to the sub-tropical jet stream’s northerly shift, allowing warm southern air to flow over Japan. While temperatures have eased slightly in October, they remain above average, making the current wait for Mount Fuji’s snowcap the longest since record-keeping began in 1894.

Yutaka Katsuta, a forecaster at the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, noted the connection between this delay and the effects of climate change. Although a single event is insufficient to directly link to global warming, the trend aligns with predictions made by climate experts regarding rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns in Japan and globally.

Located southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji’s summit stands at 3,776 meters (12,460 feet), and the volcano is one of Japan’s most revered natural landmarks. Over 220,000 climbers trekked to its peak between July and September last year, drawn by the scenic vistas and cultural significance depicted famously in traditional Japanese woodblock prints. The delay in snowfall has added urgency to discussions around climate resilience and adaptation measures as Japan experiences more frequent heat anomalies.