Mt. Fuji sees first snow of the season, 21 days later than usual

Snow capped Mt. Fuji in October 23, 2025 photographed by Kyodo via Reuters.

Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji received the season’s first snowfall on Thursday, October 23, 2025, marking a later arrival than usual, as reported by Kofu local Meteorological Observatory.

According to Kyodo News, the observatory attributed the snowfall to the presence of clouds and cold air above the peak starting Wednesday, October 22.

This year’s snowfall came 21 days later than the typical first snow, though it was still 15 days earlier than last year when the snow blanketed the mountain on November 7.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that in 2024, the snow on Mt. Fuji was observed over a month later than the previous year, setting a record for the latest snowfall in 130 years.

Mt. Fuji’s early snowfalls are closely watched and anticipated each year as they signal the changing of season and attract tourists hoping to witness the mountain’s stunning, snow-capped views.