Mount Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Peak Without Its Snow Cap
Mount Fuji, standing majestically as the tallest mountain in Japan, has long been celebrated as a national symbol, captivating the hearts and minds of people for centuries. Its iconic snowy peak has inspired a myriad of artistic expressions, from traditional paintings to modern poetry, and has become a staple in travel brochures and souvenirs. However, this year has witnessed a peculiar phenomenon: the mountain has remained without its snow cap for an unprecedented duration since record-keeping began 130 years ago.
Typically, the first signs of snow grace Mount Fuji’s summit in early October. Yet, this year, the mountain’s peak remained bare well into November, marking an unusual occurrence. It wasn’t until early Wednesday morning that local news outlets reported the first observable snow on the mountain, bringing a collective sigh of relief and delight among many.
Mount Fuji has been revered not just for its breathtaking beauty but also as a profound spiritual, political, and cultural emblem. The snowy crown that often adorns its peak, persisting even as lower mountain ranges thaw, is perceived to imbue the mountain with a sense of eternity. As October faded into November, the sight of Fuji’s bare peak left many Japanese feeling unsettled.
“This is the first time we haven’t seen snow on the mountain in November,” remarked Takefumi Sakaki, an official from Fujiyoshida City, located at the mountain’s base. “Everyone feels strange not seeing snow in November.”
At a towering height of 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is classified as an active volcano, typically cloaked in snow for the majority of the year. However, for approximately two months, from July to September, adventurers and climbers are permitted to ascend its conical slopes, reveling in the breathtaking views and unique experiences it offers.
Last August, visitors enjoyed the slopes of Mount Fuji, taking in the beauty of the volcano during the summer climbing season. This year, the absence of the snow cap has sparked conversations about climate change and its effects on this iconic symbol of Japan.
