First Snowfall Recorded on Hokkaido's Mount Asahidake

Oct 02, 2026 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO - Hokkaido's highest peak, Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, recorded its first snow cover of the season on October 2, with the area around the Asahidake Ropeway's Sugatami Station, at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters, blanketed in snow.

The snowfall marks an early sign of winter in Hokkaido, transforming the mountain landscape into a white expanse as temperatures begin to fall.

Visitors to the mountain were greeted by the snowy scenery, including one tourist from Sapporo who said, "Isn't it beautiful? This is what I came to see."

The first snowfall was recorded using a new observation method introduced this season, which relies on radar and other equipment rather than visual confirmation.

As a result, a direct comparison with previous years is not possible. Last year, the first snow cover on Mount Asahidake was confirmed through visual observation on October 9.

Source: TBS

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