Japan's Mount Fuji experienced its first snowfall after going through the longest snowless period since records began 130 years ago.
Snow fell on Japan's highest peak about a month later than expected, as the country recovers from one of its hottest summers on record.
This was met with celebration on social media, with locals sharing photos of the mountain.
Mount Fuji is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions and has inspired centuries of artwork.
The snow was spotted on Wednesday (November 5) by the Japan Meteorological Agency branch in Shizuoka.
In 2023, snow was first observed at the summit on October 5, according to the AFP news agency. The previous snowfall record dated October 26, already observed twice in 1955 and 2016.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for this,” one X user commented.
“I've never been so excited for the first snowfall this year,” said another X user.
“Finally… Makeup makes you look even more beautiful,” said another X user, referring to the snow-dusted peak.
The weather agency's Kofu office is expected to make an official announcement on the exact date the snow fell. He said he couldn't see the spike clearly on Wednesday.
However, the Japanese news agency Kyodo was able to take photos of the snow-capped peak from a helicopter on Wednesday.
Located southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji rises to 3,776 m (12,460 ft). Its last eruption dates back just over 300 years and is visible from the capital on a clear day.
Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with temperatures between June and August 1.76°C above average.
In September, temperatures continued to be warmer than expected as the more northerly position of the subtropical jet stream allowed a southerly flow of warmer air over Japan.
A jet stream is a rapid current of air that travels across the planet. This happens when warmer air from the south meets cooler air from the north.
