The “Diamond Fuji” phenomenon as seen from the Tokyo Skytree’s observation deck in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward on Feb. 3 (Sayuri Ide)
A “Diamond Fuji” dazzled Tokyo Skytree visitors on Feb. 3, with a crowd multiple rows deep packing into the observation deck’s west-facing side to witness the setting sun align perfectly with the mountain’s summit.
Many had cameras and smartphones in hand as they waited intently for the phenomenon. This time, it fell on the day before Risshun, the traditional beginning of spring on the lunar calendar, under blessedly clear skies.
Although it was near sunset, the view remained bright and Mount Fuji’s outline became distinctly visible only moments before the sun went down.
From that point, it took only about a minute for the sun to overlap with the peak to form a Diamond Fuji before disappearing behind the mountain in what felt like “an instant.”
According to the public relations office of Tobu Tower Skytree Co., which operates the landmark, the spectacle is visible from the observation deck each year around Risshun in February and Ritto (the first day of winter) in November.
However, staff said the likelihood of a perfect view is low since it requires both a stretch of cloudless skies from central Tokyo to Mount Fuji’s summit and clear visibility.
AloJapan.com