Mt. Fuji sported its first snowcap of the season on Thursday, five days later than last year and three days later than an average year, a local weather agency said.

An official of the Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory in Yamanashi Prefecture observed a layer of snow on the summit of the 3,776-meter mountain around 7:30 a.m.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 5, 2023, shows the first snow of the season spotted on the peak of Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic mountain located on the borders of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

The observatory said snowfall was brought by clouds hovering over Japan's highest peak due to a low-pressure system from late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

At 4 a.m. Thursday, the temperature near the mountain's peak fell to minus 2.5 C, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Fujiyoshida, a city at the foot of the volcano, separately announced the mountain's first snowcap the same day.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 5, 2023, shows the first snow of the season spotted on the peak of Mt. Fuji, Japan's iconic mountain located on the borders of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"We invite everyone to enjoy the beautiful snow-laden landscape," the city said.

Since 2006, the city has been making the announcement in case the Kofu observatory, located roughly 40 kilometers from the mountain, cannot confirm the season's first snowcap due to rain or fog.


Related coverage:

FOCUS: Tourism and Mt. Fuji's rocky recovery after COVID

Mt. Fuji trail use to be restricted when overcrowded

Locals warn Mt. Fuji-climbing visitors to take challenge seriously