Mt. Fuji First Snow Cap Announced Oct 30 Under New Method

JMA announces Mt. Fuji's first snow cap

On Friday, October 30, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced the first snow cap (hatsu-kanmuri-yuki, the first snow on the summit of the season) on Mt. Fuji. JMA's page of first-snow records also lists October 30, 2026 as Mt. Fuji's first snow cap date. On the 30th a trough of low pressure approached and brought precipitation. Temperatures near the 3,776 m summit were around 0°C, and the precipitation is thought to have fallen as snow. ^[1][2]

New this season: judged by "analyzed snow depth"

Up to last season, JMA staff recorded first snow caps by eye at 44 mountains across Japan. From this season, visual observation has ended. Records are now based on "analyzed snow depth," calculated from data including AMeDAS (JMA's automated weather stations), weather radar and the Himawari weather satellite. The method can make a determination even when the summit is hidden by cloud or at night. Because the method differs from visual observation, dates cannot be compared directly with past years. For reference, the visual-observation normal date was October 2, and in 2025 the first snow cap came on October 23. ^[2][3]

The Mt. Fuji Division of Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of the mountain, also declared the "first snow dusting" (hatsu-yukigeshō) on the same day, October 30. This is a declaration by the local government and is separate from JMA's first snow cap. ^[4]

Check the mountain on a live cam

You can check conditions on the mountain on the Fujiten live cam. Note that first snow on the summit is a separate matter from snow cover on the slopes. For planned opening dates and resorts that have already opened, see our opening information page.

Sources

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