Disruption until weekend: Record snowfall over northern Japan

Disruption until weekend
Record snowfall over northern Japan

Record-breaking amounts of snow has fallen over parts of Japan in recent days, in some areas, up to 396 cm.

A low-pressure system intensified over the Sea of Japan before reaching Hokkaido, and parts of Honshu. Two of Japan's northern islands.

The result of up to 396 cm of snow at Sukayu Onsen, in Aomori, breaking several all-time records in 12 hours including 129 cm of snow in Obihiro on Friday, January 31st, a national record for a station at 35 m elevation.

These intense wintry conditions have resulted in a number of stranded drivers calling emergency services for help after attempting to travel.

Roads are closed, trains are not running, and around 360 schools were closed on Tuesday across Hokkaido.

Snow is expected to continue falling across the region into the weekend at least. Check the WeatherRadar to see for yourself.

Snowdrop season: First signs of spring

Weather & Radar editorial team

More on the topic

Weather radar map showing widespread heavy rain across southern UK and Ireland in blue, with a central flood warning icon highlighting potential surface water flooding near Wales and southwest England.

Sunday 8 February 2026

Deluge starts the week

Flood warnings with heavy rain arriving

Split image showing a red-orange sunset over the sea with layered clouds on the left, and green and red aurora glowing in the night sky with silhouetted power lines and a utility pole on the right, divided by a curved white line.

Sunday 1 February 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Calmer conditions catch the eye

Temperature map of Europe showing extreme cold in northern Scandinavia with −29 °C at Hemavan and much warmer conditions in southern Spain with 26 °C at Murcia, highlighted by colour gradients and labels.

Friday 6 February 2026

Over 50 degree split

Enormous temperature contrasts in Europe

All weather news

This might also interest you

Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.

Wednesday 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK

Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.

Wednesday 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year

Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.

Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend

All articles

Disruption until weekend: Record snowfall over northern Japan

Disruption until weekendRecord snowfall over northern Japan

Disruption until weekend
Record snowfall over northern Japan