As of January 9, snow is already falling in some parts of Japan and is expected to intensify, with heavy snowfall likely along the Sea of Japan coast through January 10, just ahead of the 3-day weekend.

This may result in vehicles becoming stranded, as well as delays and cancellations in public transportation.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, along with the Japan Meteorological Agency, has issued an emergency announcement urging people to refrain from non-essential outings.

Due to the influx of strong cold air, heavy snowfall warnings may be issued not only in mountainous areas but also in low-lying regions.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the predicted 24-hour snowfall accumulation by 6 AM on January 10 is as follows for areas expected to receive the most snow.

Strong winds accompanied by snow are expected in some areas. Additionally, snow is expected to continue in some regions through January 11, 2025, so it is important to stay cautious.

The Japan Meteorological Agency provides information through their Snow Forecast, showing on a map the snowfall and accumulation in various regions over the past 24 hours, as well as the expected snowfall for the next 6 hours. The information is updated every hour, so be sure to check regularly, especially while traveling.

In the case of heavy snow, public transportation such as airplanes and shinkansen may experience delays, cancellations, or suspensions. Be sure to regularly check the status of the transportation you plan to use during your trip.

You can check train, flight, and bus delays from the link below.

If you were planning to travel to a destination over the weekend and heavy snow is affecting the area, you may wish to consider canceling your trip.

In such cases, there are various important points to keep in mind when canceling hotel or accommodation bookings. Be sure to check these details in advance.

The heavy snowfall and effects of it may continue to change depending on the region and time. Be sure to check the latest information regularly, and stay safe on your travels in Japan!