TOKYO — Mount Fuji, Japan’s renowned peak, is experiencing an unprecedented situation this November, as it remains completely devoid of snow for the first time in 130 years. This unusual occurrence is believed to be a consequence of the exceptionally warm temperatures observed over the past few weeks.

As of Tuesday, meteorological experts reported that Mount Fuji, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has surpassed the previous record for the latest snowfall—a date that was noted on October 26, 2016. Typically, by early October, the nation’s tallest mountain, standing at 3,776 meters (almost 12,300 feet), begins to see snowfall, usually starting around October 2, approximately one month after the hiking season concludes. In 2022, the mountain welcomed its first snow on October 5, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The absence of snow on Mount Fuji has generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with individuals sharing images of the snowless peak. Reactions have varied, with some users expressing astonishment, while others have raised alarms regarding the implications of climate change. The Kofu Local Meteorological Office, the branch responsible for tracking weather patterns in central Japan and the same authority that documented Mount Fuji’s inaugural snowfall in 1894, attributes this unusual weather pattern to the unexpectedly warm conditions experienced throughout October.

While the average temperature at Mount Fuji’s summit during October typically hovers around minus 2 degrees Celsius (28.4 degrees Fahrenheit), this year saw a record high of 1.6 degrees Celsius (34.9 degrees Fahrenheit), the warmest since records began in 1932. Additionally, Japan has endured an exceptionally hot summer followed by a warm autumn this year.

Mount Fuji, affectionately called “Fujisan,” has long been a significant symbol of Japan, historically serving as a destination for pilgrims. Its snow-capped peak and symmetrical slopes have inspired countless artistic representations, notably Katsushika Hokusai’s famed series, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” Today, the mountain draws many hikers eager to witness sunrises from its summit. However, the increasing number of visitors has raised concerns about rampant littering and overcrowding, prompting calls for enhanced environmental protection and measures to combat overtourism.