HOME Does it Snow in Tokyo? How to Understand Japanese Weather Forecasts & What to Do When It Snows
Does it Snow in Tokyo? How to Understand Japanese Weather Forecasts & What to Do When It Snows

Does it Snow in Tokyo? How to Understand Japanese Weather Forecasts & What to Do When It Snows

Last updated: 8 January 2020

Japan is the perfect destination for winter snow! Skiing, hot springs, and gourmet food make winter in Japan rich and varied. For those living in warmer climates, the pristine snowscapes are the stuff of dreams. However, snowfall can significantly disrupt daily life in Japan, seen as a nuisance by locals.

While snow is less likely in Tokyo, facing the Pacific, even a light dusting can cause major disruptions in the capital's transport network, making travel difficult and dampening spirits, potentially forcing itinerary changes. Thus, preparation is crucial! Below, LIVE JAPAN's editors have compiled what you need to know and do when encountering heavy snow!

Table of Contents
  1. When is Snow Most Likely in Tokyo?
  2. So, How Do You Read Japanese Weather Forecasts?
  3. What to Do If it Snows? What Areas Require Special Attention?
  4. What Should You Be Careful of When Going Out on a Snowy Day?

When is Snow Most Likely in Tokyo?

When is Snow Most Likely in Tokyo?

According to the Tokyo District Meteorological Observatory's "Climate of Tokyo" data and investigations by the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo averages 9.7 snow days per year between 1981 and 2010, with February leading at an average of 3.7 days, followed by January with 2.8 days, and March with 2.2 days. The days most likely to experience snow are February 17th and 18th, with about ten recorded instances of snowfall.
Although not every snowfall in Tokyo results in accumulation, due to the low probability of snow in the capital region, combined with the density of train routes and the difficulty of maintenance, installing snow melting devices on railways faces significant challenges. Consequently, trains must slow down or reduce service to avoid collisions, and snow removal, often manual, is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Even a small amount of accumulation can significantly delay the return to normal train service, making snowfall a primary cause of transportation disruptions in Tokyo.

1981-2010 Data
Annual average number of snow days from 1981 to 2010
Average of 9.7 days
Month with the highest average: February
Average of 3.7 days
Second highest month: January
Average of 2.8 days
Third highest month: March
Average of 2.2 days

So, How Do You Read Japanese Weather Forecasts?

So, How Do You Read Japanese Weather Forecasts?

The Japan Meteorological Agency is known for its high accuracy in forecasts. Before planning any trip to Japan, it's best to check their website for the latest weather updates! The website offers interfaces in Japanese and English, facilitating easy access for international travelers. Here, we also introduce some commonly used terms in Japanese weather forecasts.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency / Weekly Weather Forecasts
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency / Weekly Weather Forecasts
Common Terms in Japanese Weather Forecasts
天気予報 (てんきよほう, tenki yohō)
Weather Forecast
週間天気予報 (しゅうかんてんきよほう, shūkan tenki yohō)
Weekly Weather Forecast
降水確率 (こうすいかくりつ, kōsui kakuritsu)
Chance of Rain
最低気温 (さいていきおん, saitei kion)
Lowest Temperature of the Day
最高気温 (さいこうきおん, saikō kion)
Highest Temperature of the Day
晴れ (はれ, hare)
Sunny
晴れ時々曇 (はれときどきくもり, hare tokidoki kumori)
Partly Sunny, Mostly Cloudy
曇 (くもり, kumori)
Cloudy
雷 (かみなり, kaminari)
Thunder
雨 (あめ, ame)
Rain
大雨 (おおあめ, ōame)
Heavy Rain
小雨 (こさめ, kosame)
Light Rain
雹 (ひょう, hyō)
Hail
雪 (ゆき, yuki)
Snow
大雪 (おおゆき, ōyuki)
Heavy Snow
小雪 (こゆき, koyuki)
Light Snow
荒れた天気 (あれたてんき, areta tenki)
Stormy Weather

The Japan Meteorological Agency's website offers more than just weather forecasts. It provides comprehensive data on rainfall, snowfall, snow accumulation, and historical weather information. When it comes to mobile apps, Japan has several weather apps available, such as the "Yahoo! Weather APP." Each app offers similar content, so choosing one based on personal preference and usage habits is advisable.

What to Do If it Snows? What Areas Require Special Attention?

1. Itinerary Planning

1. Itinerary Planning

If there's a chance of snow during your travel period, it's wise to have multiple backup plans, like opting for indoor sightseeing/shopping or visiting attractions within walking distance from your accommodation to avoid the dilemma of being stuck on a train and unable to return to your hotel. Some attractions and businesses may close early due to snow, so keep that in mind. Additionally, if there's enough snow, building snowmen and having snowball fights outdoors can be great fun, just be careful not to disturb those around you who may be clearing the snow.

2. Check Transportation Conditions

2. Check Transportation Conditions

When planning your itinerary, check the weather conditions online in advance. Before heading out, confirm with your airline whether flights are operating normally to avoid making a wasted trip, and consider purchasing travel insurance for emergencies. When in Japan, keep an eye on television broadcasts, airline official websites, or online news for updates, and use mobile apps for train operation information to stay informed about the status of various transportation services. If you unfortunately encounter snow on your day of departure, make sure to leave for the airport early or consider changing your flight, as missing your plane due to snowfall can be a significant inconvenience.
Most train stations and platforms have electronic boards displaying train arrivals, destinations, and times. If the board doesn't show a schedule, it might indicate train delays or reduced service. In severe cases, station entry may be limited, and boarding a train might result in not reaching your destination after a long wait. Adjusting your plans accordingly is a safer option.

Commonly Used Japanese Terms Related to Weather Disruptions
列車遅延 (れっしゃちえん, ressha chien)
Train Delay
運転見合わせ (うんてんみあわせ, unten miawase)
Temporary Suspension, Resumption Depending on the Situation
運転再開 (うんてんさいかい, unten saikai)
Resumption of Service
終日運休 (しゅうじつうんきゅう, shūjitsu unkū)
All-day Suspension
ダイヤ乱れ (ダイヤみだれ, daiya midare)
Schedule Disruption
欠航 (けっこう, kekkō)
Flight or Ferry Cancellation
閉鎖 (へいさ, heisa)
Airport or Terminal Closure

By using a train-specific route guidance app (like Navitime), not only can you check train schedules and transfer information, but you can also quickly grasp the current operating status of trains directly through the app.

What Should You Be Careful of When Going Out on a Snowy Day?

What Should You Be Careful of When Going Out on a Snowy Day?

Dress Warmly
Many people think snow is cold, but actually, the coldest time is when the snow is melting. Make sure to dress warmly when going out. Japan's indoors and trains are heated, so dressing in layers, like an "onion-style," is advisable. Wear gloves, scarves, beanies, earmuffs, or masks to protect exposed skin from frostbite. Carry rain gear with you, switch to rubber-soled snow boots or shoes with anti-slip features for footwear. Rain boots are a great choice if you're worried about getting wet, and using heat packs can make you unbeatable against the cold.

Walk Carefully
Besides keeping warm, be extra cautious when walking as snow that hasn't fully melted or has turned to ice can be very slippery. Walk with your center of gravity slightly forward, take small steps and move slowly to avoid icy surfaces. Keep your hands out of your pockets for balance, be wary of falling snow from roofs, and try not to cycle. If driving, use snow chains for extra grip and reduce speed.

And Don't Forget These Tips!
The batteries of mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are quite sensitive to temperature changes and may run low on power quickly in cold weather. It's advised to carry spare batteries or minimize outdoor use of these devices. Additionally, since drinking hot water is not a common practice in Japan and hot water facilities are scarce, carrying a thermos to stay hydrated is recommended.

A trip to Japan doesn't have to be overly concerned with the weather. With proper mental preparation, allowing ample travel time, taking cold-weather precautions, utilizing online search tools, and being adaptable, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip!

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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