Caught in heavy snow or a blizzard during your Japan trip?
If heavy snow or a fierce blizzard is expected, put off sightseeing and driving. If you're already out, don't push yourself to get back to your accommodation — take shelter in a nearby building you can enter. Follow instructions from staff and on-site announcements, and if you're heading home, check your flight and your transport to the airport separately.
Official sources checked: 2026-10-12
If you're in a blizzard right now
- If you can't see ahead while walking, don't keep going. If there's a shop or building nearby that you can enter, get inside, and cover your face and hands so no skin is exposed.
- If visibility is poor while you're driving, don't keep pushing on. If you can get into a nearby rest facility, wait there until the weather improves.
- If your car won't move, turn on your hazard lights and call for help. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch the engine off. The risk of exhaust-gas poisoning remains even with a window open.
- Call 119 if you need an ambulance or emergency rescue, or 110 if you need police help. Tell them your location as shown on your phone map, nearby landmarks, and how many people are with you.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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How to read Japanese signs and notices
If you see the Japanese below on a sign or a phone alert, check what it means. Don't just look at the numbers — read what danger it warns about and which area or section it applies to.
通行止
Meaning It means you must not enter that road.
What to do Don't enter a closed road. Check separately whether detour routes on your map app are also closed, and follow on-site staff instructions if given.
Even with winter tyres or chains, don't enter a closed road. A sign alone can't tell you when the road will reopen.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF) ↗
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外出は控えてください
Meaning It's a notice asking you to avoid going out.
What to do Put off going out for sightseeing and driving. If you're already outside, protect yourself inside a nearby building you can enter and follow on-site instructions.
Don't push on even if the snow looks light or your accommodation seems close. Check with staff whether you can enter a nearby building, and whether you can get to your accommodation.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF) ↗
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運休
Meaning It means that train is not operating.
What to do Find your travel date, train and the suspended section in the notice. Check the operator's notices and station staff about whether you can take another train or bus.
This alone doesn't mean your flight is cancelled too. Ask separately whether you can take a bus or taxi, and whether you can change your booking or get a refund.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido: train operating status by region and station ↗
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運転見合わせ
Meaning It means train services are temporarily suspended.
What to do Don't head out guessing when services will resume — read the affected section and the latest notices. Ask station or accommodation staff where you can wait right now.
It doesn't mean services will resume soon. Only part of a line may be suspended rather than the whole line, so read the section names too.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido: train operating status by region and station ↗
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計画運休
Meaning It means train cancellations have been decided in advance to prepare for bad weather.
What to do Check the latest notices even if your booked train is on the timetable. See whether your travel date, train and section are included, and contact your accommodation too if you'll arrive late or your plans change.
Trains on the timetable can also be cancelled. Read the notice's dates and affected sections, and ask the operator about changes or refunds.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido: why trains are cancelled in advance ↗
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暴風雪警報
Meaning It's a blizzard warning issued when strong winds blowing snow reduce visibility and the danger grows.
What to do Put off going out and driving, and read the affected area and issue time. If blowing snow hides the road, don't keep moving.
It differs from 大雪警報 (heavy snow warning). This explains the Japanese wording; check the latest notices for warnings currently in effect.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: types of weather warnings and advisories ↗
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大雪警報
Meaning It's a heavy snow warning issued when heavy snow may cause major damage or transport disruption.
What to do Check your area's weather notices and the guidance for the roads and transport you'll use. Avoid unnecessary outings and driving.
It doesn't mean the same as a blizzard warning, and you can't judge whether trains or flights are operating from warnings alone.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: types of weather warnings and advisories ↗
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Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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What should I pack before travelling if heavy snow is forecast?
Pack warm clothing, gloves and winter shoes that don't slip easily. On days when heavy snow is expected, it's better to cut down on plans that take you far away.
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises avoiding unnecessary outings and, where possible, not driving when heavy snow or fierce blizzards are expected. Before you set out, check when snow and wind will strengthen in the area you're visiting, and whether the roads you'll use may close or your transport may stop. The weather can turn bad quickly even if it's clear now.
It's a good idea to keep water and simple food at your accommodation in case you can't go out. Charge your phone and power bank, and save your accommodation's address and contact details. On the day you head home, we recommend checking your route and transport to the airport first rather than visiting sightseeing spots far from the airport.
If you have to walk on snowy roads
Wear shoes that don't slip easily and allow plenty of time so you don't have to hurry. You can still fall even with winter shoes or anti-slip gear, and you can lose your way in a blizzard.
If you're hiring a car
Ask the hire company whether winter tyres are fitted and chains are provided, and learn how to use the chains. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises that your car can still get stuck in snow even with winter tyres. Even with the gear, put off driving if a blizzard is expected.
Official sources: Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency: what to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Bureau: preventing falls on snowy roads ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗
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How do heavy snow warnings and blizzard warnings differ?
It's not just how much snow piles up — whether wind-blown snow is reducing visibility matters too. Check what warnings have been issued for the area you're visiting and when they were issued.
The Japan Meteorological Agency's heavy snow warning (大雪警報) warns of major damage or transport disruption from heavy snow. The blizzard warning (暴風雪警報) warns of fierce winds with snow and the danger of blowing snow hiding what's ahead. Deep snow and not being able to see in a blizzard are different dangers.
Open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings and advisories) in the Meteorological Agency's heavy snow and blizzard information and find the area you're visiting. It's also worth reading that area's local weather information. Don't set out based only on a snow-depth map or a weather icon on your phone. If you're told on site to stay in or evacuate, follow those instructions.
「気象防災速報（短時間大雪）」 is a short-period heavy snow bulletin issued when a lot of snow in a short time has made a major disaster more likely. Avoid unnecessary outings in areas where it's been issued. Even if you're elsewhere, don't travel there. If snow and rain are forecast together, or flooding or landslide notices have been issued, also read what to do for heavy rain, floods and landslides.
Check current warnings with the Meteorological Agency. Even after warnings are lifted or the snow stops, roads may still be closed and trains or buses may still be stopped. Before setting out again, check your route and the transport you'll take.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: types of weather warnings and advisories ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: heavy snow and blizzard weather information ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗
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気象防災速報（短時間大雪） is the short-period heavy snow bulletin. First read the area and issue time in the title, then check 「×時間に×センチ」 in the body for how many centimetres fell over how many hours. ○·△·■·× are placeholders for values, not current warnings or nationwide thresholds.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency 「大雪に関する情報について」 (About information on heavy snow) · PDL1.0 · used as-is · Terms of use
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Can I still walk to my accommodation if the blizzard gets worse?
If you can't make out the road or work out which direction to go, don't keep walking even if your accommodation is close. If there's a building nearby you can enter, take shelter inside.
The observatory explains that when a blizzard turns everything white, you can lose your sense of direction and not know where you are. Cover exposed skin such as your face and hands, and watch out for objects blown by the wind. If there's no building to enter and you need urgent rescue, ask for help and give your current location.
Don't hurry even on snowy roads you can see. The Sapporo City Fire Bureau advises taking short steps and walking as if pressing your whole sole onto the ground. Lift your feet slightly as you move — dragging them along the ground can trip you. Don't walk while looking at your phone. In a blizzard so bad you can't see ahead, don't try to walk like this — find shelter first.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Bureau: preventing falls on snowy roads ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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Can I keep driving if I've got winter tyres on?
Even with winter tyres, don't push on if you can't see well ahead or your car is stuck in snow. If a blizzard is expected, delay your departure.
- Before setting out, first check the forecast for the area you're visiting and whether the roads you'll use are closed. Ask the hire company whether you can change your pick-up or return dates.
- If you must drive, load warm clothing, gloves, a shovel, water and food, and fill up with fuel. Your car can still get stuck in snow even with winter tyres, so take chains too.
- If blowing snow reduces visibility while you're driving, don't push on to your destination. If you can get into a nearby rest facility, wait there until the weather improves.
Don't assume you can just take a hire car or taxi because the trains have stopped. Heavy snow can close roads or leave your car stuck in snow. To switch to other transport, check separately whether that transport is operating and whether the roads you'll use are open.
Official sources: Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency: what to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards ↗ · Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗
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Can I leave the engine running while I wait if my car is stuck in snow?
If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch the engine off. If the exhaust pipe (where exhaust gas comes out) is blocked by snow, exhaust gas can get into the car and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Turn on your hazard lights and call for help. If you need urgent rescue, call 119 or 110 and give your current location and the fact that your car is buried in snow.
- Don't leave your car and walk off when you don't know where to go in a blizzard. Hokkaido advises that if there's no building or house nearby to shelter in, you contact police or fire services and wait in the car for rescue.
- Switch the engine off and wrap yourself in warm clothing and blankets. Your body temperature can drop if you stay in the car a long time, and exhaust gas can get in if you leave the engine on — watch out for both dangers.
- If you must run the engine to keep warm, the exhaust pipe must be clear of snow and fully open to the outside. Keep checking that newly falling or wind-drifted snow isn't blocking the exhaust pipe again. If going outside to clear snow is dangerous, don't push it — tell the rescuers about your situation.
Don't assume you're safe just because you opened a window a little or cleared snow around the exhaust pipe once. The observatory warns that depending on wind direction and how far the window is open, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can actually be higher even with a window open.
Official sources: Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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Can I head straight to the airport or the next city once the snow stops?
Don't set out right away even when the snow stops. Check separately whether your booked flight is operating and whether trains and buses to the airport are operating, and decide where you're staying now.
Heavy snow can mean cancelled train services or grounded flights. Roads may be closed and power outages can happen. JR Hokkaido sometimes cancels train services in advance to reduce trains being stuck between stations or stations getting overcrowded because of snow or rain. This is called 「計画運休」 (planned service cancellations). Even trains on the timetable may not run that day.
If you can't move on and will arrive late at your next accommodation, contact them first. Ask whether you can change your arrival date, and ask your current accommodation whether you can stay longer and what the extra charge is. Whether rooms or meals are provided and cancellation fees are waived depends on your booking conditions and the accommodation's answer. It's a good idea to keep the change notices and the accommodation's replies.
- Look up your flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app. Just check whether your flight is operating and whether the departure time has changed. An open airport doesn't mean your flight is operating.
- For trains and buses to the airport, find your section with the operator. Also check when the cancellation or delay notices were issued. In Hokkaido you can find your area and station in the JR Hokkaido service information.
- If you can't move on or can't stay at your accommodation, ask staff where you can wait or get help. Check the city's official evacuation notices for facilities that are open now, and check whether you can get there.
- Check whether your train is operating with JR Hokkaido ↗
- What to do when your flight is late or grounded →
- Getting around Japan on public transport →
- Finding shelters open now by city →
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗ · JR Hokkaido: why trains are cancelled in advance ↗ · JR Hokkaido: train operating status by region and station ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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Where do I ask for help if I can't explain things in Japanese?
Call 119 if you need an ambulance or urgent fire-service help. If disaster has left you in difficulty while travelling, you can ask for help through the JNTO traveller support hotline.
The JNTO number is 050-3816-2787 within Japan, or +81-50-3816-2787 from overseas. You can get travel information and help with accidents, illness and disasters in Korean, English and Chinese, 24 hours a day. If you need urgent rescue or an ambulance, call 119 before JNTO.
Tell staff where you are now, why you can't get back to your accommodation, how many people are with you and what help you need. If it's hard to explain, show them your saved accommodation address or booking screen on your phone. Ask staff if you need somewhere to stay, supplies, medication or interpreting. You'll need to ask on site whether you can get everything you need.
Official sources: JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗ · Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗
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Also useful to know
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see Sapporo heavy snow forecasts?
Open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings and advisories) and the Hokkaido regional weather information in the Meteorological Agency's heavy snow and blizzard information. Find Sapporo and check what forecasts or warnings have been issued and when. Check separately with each operator whether flights or trains are operating. Don't assume it's fine to set out based only on a snow-depth map.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: heavy snow and blizzard weather information ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗
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If the airport train stops, will my flight be grounded too?
Trains can stop while flights still operate, so check each separately. Find your flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app, and find your section with the operator for transport to the airport. Even after the snow stops, check that transport is operating again before you move.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗ · JR Hokkaido: train operating status by region and station ↗
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Can I still drive in a blizzard if I have winter tyres and chains?
Don't assume the gear means you can get there safely. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises that your car can still get stuck in snow even with winter tyres. Avoid unnecessary outings and driving when heavy snow or fierce blizzards are expected. If visibility is poor while you're driving, don't keep pushing on.
Official sources: Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency: what to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗
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Can I run the engine if I open a window in a snow-buried car?
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning remains even with a window open. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch the engine off. Even when you must run it to keep warm, the exhaust pipe must be fully open to the outside and you must keep checking that snow isn't blocking it again. Even then, safety can't be guaranteed. Tell the rescuers about your current situation.
Official sources: Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗
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Can I walk to my accommodation in a blizzard if it's close?
If you can't see ahead or work out which direction to go, don't keep walking even if your accommodation is close. Take shelter in a nearby building you can enter, and cover exposed skin such as your face and hands. If there's nowhere to shelter and you need urgent rescue, call 119 or 110 and give your current location and situation.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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Official sources for this guide
Check current warnings and entry restrictions in your area's notices. For whether trains and flights are operating, see the transport operators' latest notices.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory and others: what to do in a blizzard (PDF) ↗ · Hokkaido: what to do in a blizzard or when your car is stuck in snow ↗ · Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency: what to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Bureau: preventing falls on snowy roads ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: types of weather warnings and advisories ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: heavy snow and blizzard weather information ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency: damage from heavy snow and warning guidance ↗ · JR Hokkaido: why trains are cancelled in advance ↗ · JR Hokkaido: train operating status by region and station ↗ · JNTO: traveller support hotline and emergency contacts ↗
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