First snow of winter arrives on Japan's Mount Fuji five weeks late

Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Snow fell on Japan's iconic Mount Fuji on Wednesday, breaking the longest dry spell since records began atop the peak of the dormant volcano, which at 12,388 feet is the country's highest mountain.

Famous for its virtually year-round snowcap, this fall the mountain remained snow-free well beyond the normal time the first flakes settle -- Oct. 2 on average -- until unconfirmed reports came in of a dusting of snow on the upper slopes overnight.

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