As Japan prepares to enter November, the iconic Mount Fuji remains without its usual snowcap, marking the latest date since records began 130 years ago without snowfall at its peak.
Known for its scenic snow-dusted summit in early October, Mount Fuji’s snow-free condition this late into the year has raised alarms over the visible impacts of climate change on one of Japan’s most treasured landmarks.
Each year, the first snowfall at Mount Fuji signals the end of the summer climbing season, which wrapped up on September 10 this year, and the arrival of winter.
However, as of October 29, the Japan Meteorological Agency has yet to confirm any snowfall on Fuji’s 12,389-feet (3,776-meter) summit, shattering the previous record of October 26, set in both 1955 and 2016.
Unseasonably warm autumn delays first snowfall
Mount Fuji’s snowcaps usually start to form by October 2, with last year’s first snow appearing on October 5, according to Japan’s weather agency. But unlike previous years, the Kofu Local Meteorological Office has not yet announced the initial snowfall for 2024, attributing this delay to persistently warm temperatures across the nation.
In an interview with CNN, Shinichi Yanagi, a meteorological officer at the Kofu office, explained, “Because of the fact that high temperatures in Japan have been continuing since the summer and as it has been raining, there has been no snowfall.”
Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with average temperatures from June through August reaching 3.17 degrees Fahrenheit (1.76 degrees Celsius) above the seasonal norm—a significant increase that beat the previous record set in 2010 by a wide margin.
These extreme temperatures extended into the fall, with over 74 Japanese cities recording October temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) or higher, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit research group focused on climate change.
Their analysis indicates that the October heat was made three times more likely by the climate crisis. The extended warm period also reflects global trends. The Meteorological Agency reported that 2024 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, with widespread temperature increases driven by El Niño and the continued burning of fossil fuels, the primary driver of climate change.
The ripple effect of warmer winters
The delayed snowfall at Mount Fuji could be an ominous signal for the future, with warmer winters potentially affecting snowpack levels, tourism, and local economies that rely on snow-dependent activities.
Scientists have warned that global temperatures must be kept within 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels to avoid severe climate disruptions, including changes to winter weather patterns.
A January study found that snowpack levels across the Northern Hemisphere have decreased significantly in the past 40 years due to climate change, underscoring the urgency for action.
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is typically snow-covered for much of the year, drawing millions of tourists who come to hike, admire the snowy summit, or witness the sunrise from its famed slopes. This winter’s delay in snowfall is particularly concerning for local economies that benefit from the steady stream of winter tourists. Warmer winters could also impact water resources, as snowmelt is crucial for agriculture and other water needs.
To address other challenges, Japanese authorities have recently implemented measures to manage crowds and protect the mountain’s environment. Mount Fuji has faced overtourism, with large crowds bringing issues like littering and insufficient toilet facilities and hiking in inappropriate gear leading to accidents.
In response, a new tourist tax of 2,000 yen (about $12.40) per person was introduced in July, with daily visitor limits set to 4,000 climbers.