Mount Fuji Gets Its Trademark Snowcap After 130-Year Delay, Though Not Official Yet.

Mount Fuji Gets Its Iconic Snowcap After Record-Setting Delay

TOKYO (AP) — Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, finally received its trademark snowcap early Wednesday, but it came more than a month later than usual, marking the longest delay in 130 years.

The first snowfall of the season was visible from the southwestern side of the mountain, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency's Shizuoka branch. However, due to cloudy weather, officials from the Kofu Local Meteorological Office, which has handled the official announcement since 1984, were unable to confirm it yet, so the snowcap isn't officially recognized.

This year’s delayed snowfall broke the previous record for the latest first snow, which was set on October 26, 2016. Typically, the 3,776-meter (12,300-foot) mountain begins to see light snowfall around October 2, after the summer hiking season ends. Last year, snow appeared on October 5.

The absence of snow for so long has drawn attention online, with many people expressing surprise and concern, particularly in relation to climate change.

The Kofu office attributed the delay to unusually warm temperatures in October, including a record high of 1.6°C (34.9°F) at the summit, compared to the average temperature of -2°C (28.4°F). This follows an unusually hot summer and warm autumn across Japan.

While it’s too soon to link this year’s late snowfall to global warming, officials note that Mount Fuji’s first snow last year also came in early October. "We need to analyze data over a longer period before drawing any conclusions," said Kiryu, a meteorologist from the Kofu office.

Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and national symbol, has long captivated artists and pilgrims. In modern times, it attracts hikers who summit the mountain to watch the sunrise. However, issues such as overcrowding and littering have sparked calls for environmental preservation.

Weather forecaster and climber Jun Kubota voiced concerns about the delayed snowfall. "I wonder if this trend means the snow season is getting shorter, not just at Mount Fuji but also in other parts of Japan," he said. Kubota also noted reports of snow shortages on ski slopes in recent years, warning of potential impacts on winter sports.

Though this year’s delayed snow is noteworthy, officials continue to monitor Mount Fuji's conditions ,