Heavy Snowfall Expected on Sea of Japan Side, Warnings Issued Against Nonessential Travel, Transportation Disruptions

The Yomiuri Shimbun

11:41 JST, January 20, 2026

Warning-level heavy snowfall is expected in mountainous areas and flatlands, mainly on the Sea of Japan side from northern to western Japan, through around Sunday due to a continuing strong winter pressure pattern, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Parts of the Tokai region, which typically experience little snow, may also see heavy snowfall.

The agency and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry issued a joint emergency announcement on Monday, calling for caution against public transportation disruptions and urging people to refrain from nonessential outings.

According to the agency, there is a possibility of warning-level heavy snowfall from Tuesday to Wednesday in Hokkaido; from Wednesday to Thursday in northern Kanto as well as the Kinki and Chugoku regions; and from Wednesday to Saturday in the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Tokai regions.

The 24-hour snowfall on Wednesday and Thursday through 6 p.m. each day is expected to reach 100 centimeters in the Hokuriku region; 70 centimeters in the Tohoku and Kinki regions; and 50 centimeters in Hokkaido and the Kanto-Koshin, Tokai and Chugoku regions in areas with the heaviest snow.