ASAHIKAWA, Japan - The season's first snowcap was confirmed on Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak on Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, with temperatures at 1,500 meters dropping to those usually recorded at the end of the month, the Asahikawa Local Meteorological Office said Friday.

Snow was detected using radar and the Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System. Until last year, first snowcaps were confirmed by sight.

Related coverage:
New sightseeing canyon route in central Japan launched after quake delay
Japan ski resorts using only natural snow could fall to 7 on warming: study
FEATURE: Landmark Hotel Tateyama in Japan's Northern Alps closes after 54 years