Mt. Kaikomagatake First Snow Cap Nov 2, Recorded by JMA

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has listed November 2, 2026 as the first snow cap date for Mt. Kaikomagatake on its "Records of first snow cap" page. As of November 5, it is the only mountain listed as having had its first snow cap within the past four days. ^[1]

Judged by analyzed snow depth this season

For the 2027 cold season year (starting August 2026), JMA has stopped relying on visual observation and now shows summit snow cover using analyzed snow depth. Last season, Mt. Kaikomagatake's first snow cap was observed by eye on November 3, 2025. Because the methods differ, JMA says the two dates cannot simply be compared. ^[1][2]

Mountain: Mt. Kaikomagatake
First snow cap date: November 2, 2026
Method: analyzed snow depth (from this season)
Latest snow status as of 1:00 on November 5: no snow cover

As of 1:00 on November 5, the summit's snow status is shown as "no snow cover." A first snow cap is a record that the summit once turned white with snow, so it does not mean snow is still lying there now. ^[1]

Check the mountain on a live cam

The camera that shows Mt. Kaikomagatake is "From Hakushu Albero, Hakushu, Hokuto City," on the mountain live cams page. You can use it to see whether snow remains or the peak is hidden in cloud. The page also lists cams for other mountains, including Mt. Fuji, Daisetsuzan and Mt. Tanigawa.

Ski resorts that have already opened this season are collected on the resort openings page. Conditions at the resorts will keep changing day by day as more snow builds up in the mountains.

Summary

JMA's page shows each mountain's first snow cap date and its current snow status for this season. Since the method has changed, it is best not to call this year "early" or "late" by lining it up against dates from previous seasons.

Sources

Prepared with AI assistance from public sources. Always check each resort's official website for the latest information.