A snowcapped Mount Fuji shining red in the early morning sun is reflected on the surface of Lake Yamanaka in the village of Yamanakako, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Dec. 4, 2021. (Toshio Odagiri)

       YAMANAKAKO, Yamanashi -- The red-tinged, snowcapped Mount Fuji's early-morning visage shortly past 6:30 a.m. has been attracting photographers keen to capture its beauty to the shore of Lake Yamanaka, located to the east of the sacred mountain.

       Mount Fuji's appearance changes with the seasons. In "Fugaku Sanjurokkei" (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji), Edo period (1603-1867) ukiyo-e woodblock print artist Katsushika Hokusai depicts the way Mount Fuji's snowless slopes turn dark red in the sun between summer and early autumn. Snow and sunlight create the glowing red views of the mountain on winter mornings.

       The Japan Meteorological Agency's Kofu Local Meteorological Office announced 2021's first Mount Fuji snowcap six days earlier than usual, meaning the winter vista will likely be visible for longer. Many are visiting the Yamanashi Prefecture village of Yamanakako's Hirano district to admire the scenery.

       (Japanese original by Toshio Odagiri)

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