Disasters · Heavy snow & blizzards

What to do if you're caught in heavy snow or a blizzard in Japan

If heavy snow or a severe blizzard is expected, put off sightseeing and driving. If you are already outside, don't push yourself to get back to your accommodation — take shelter in a nearby building you can enter. Follow staff and on-site announcements, and if you plan to fly home, check your flight and your transport to the airport separately.

Official sources checked: 2026-10-12

If you are in a blizzard right now

If you can't see ahead of you while walking, don't keep going. If there is a shop or building nearby that you can enter, go inside, and cover your face and hands so no skin is exposed.
If visibility drops while you are driving, don't push on. If you can reach a nearby rest stop or similar facility, wait there until the weather improves.
If your car won't move, switch on your hazard lights and call for help. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch off the engine. Even with a window open, exhaust poisoning is still a risk.
Call 119 for an ambulance or emergency rescue, and 110 if you need the police. Tell them your location as shown on your phone's map, nearby landmarks, and how many people are with you.

How to read Japanese signs and notices

When you see the Japanese below on signs or phone alerts, check what it means. Don't just look at the numbers — read what danger is being warned about and which area or section it covers.

通行止

Meaning This means you must not enter that road.

What to do Do not enter a closed road. Check detour routes on map apps separately for closures, and follow on-site staff if they give directions.

Even with winter tires or chains, you must not enter a closed road. The sign alone won't tell you when the road will reopen.

Official sources: Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

外出は控えてください

Meaning This is a notice asking you to stay indoors.

What to do Postpone sightseeing trips and driving. If you are already outside, take shelter in a nearby building you can enter and follow on-site guidance.

Don't push on even if the snow looks light or your accommodation seems close. Ask staff whether you can enter a nearby building and whether you can reach your accommodation.

Official sources: Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

運休

Meaning This means the train service is cancelled.

What to do Find your travel date, train and the cancelled section in the notice. Check the operator's notices and ask station staff whether another train or bus is available.

This alone doesn't mean flights are cancelled too. Ask separately whether buses or taxis are running and whether you can change your booking or get a refund.

Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Train running information by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

運転見合わせ

Meaning This means train services are temporarily suspended.

What to do Don't head out guessing when services will resume — read the affected sections and new notices. Ask station or accommodation staff where you can wait.

It doesn't mean services will resume soon. Only part of a line may be suspended, so read the section names too.

Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Train running information by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

計画運休

Meaning This means planned train cancellations were decided in advance to prepare for bad weather.

What to do Check new notices even if your train is on the timetable. Look at whether your travel date, train and section are included, and tell your accommodation if you'll arrive late or your plans change.

Trains on the timetable can also be cancelled. Read the dates and affected sections in the notice, and ask the operator about changes and refunds.

Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Why planned cancellations are decided in advance (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

暴風雪警報

Meaning This is a blizzard warning issued when blowing snow makes it hard to see ahead and danger is growing.

What to do Postpone going out and driving, and read the affected areas and issue time. If blowing snow hides the road, don't keep moving.

It differs from a 大雪警報 (heavy snow warning). This explains the Japanese term; check the latest notices for warnings currently in effect.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

大雪警報

Meaning This is a heavy snow warning issued when heavy snow may cause major damage or transport disruption.

What to do Check the weather notices for your area and guidance for the roads and transport you will use. Avoid going out and driving unless necessary.

It doesn't mean the same as a blizzard warning, and you can't judge whether trains or flights are running from warnings alone.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
Checked: 2026-10-12

What should I pack before travelling if heavy snow is forecast?

Pack warm clothes, gloves and winter shoes that don't slip easily. On days when heavy snow is expected, it's best to shorten plans that take you far away.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises avoiding non-essential outings and, where possible, not driving when heavy snow or a severe blizzard is expected. Before you set out, check when snow and wind will strengthen where you're going, and whether your roads may close or transport may stop. It can be clear now and turn bad quickly.

Keep some water and simple food at your accommodation in case you can't go out. Charge your phone and a portable battery, and save your accommodation's address and phone number. On the day you fly home, look at your route and transport to the airport before planning distant sightseeing.

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. Even with winter shoes or anti-slip gear, you can fall — and you can lose your way in a blizzard.

If you rent a car

Ask the rental company whether winter tires and chains are available, and learn how to use the chains. The fire agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. Even with the gear, postpone driving if a blizzard is expected.

Packing your passport, cash and medication before you travel →

Official sources: Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Bureau · Preventing falls on snowy roads (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

What's the difference between a heavy snow warning and a blizzard warning?

It's not only about how much snow piles up — it's also whether blowing snow blocks your view. Check which warning covers the area you're heading to and when it was 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 strong winds with snow and of danger when blowing snow blocks your view. Deep snow and being unable to see in a blizzard are different dangers.

In the agency's snow and blizzard weather information, open 「気象警報・注意報」(weather warnings and advisories) and find your area. Check the local weather information for that area too. 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 indoors or evacuate, follow that instruction.

「気象防災速報（短時間大雪）」 is a short-time heavy snowfall bulletin, issued when the chance of a major disaster rises after heavy snow in a short time. Avoid non-essential outings where it was issued. Even if you're elsewhere, don't travel into that area. If snow and rain are forecast together, or flooding or landslide guidance has been issued, also read what to do in heavy rain, flooding and landslides.

Check current warnings with the Japan Meteorological Agency. Even after warnings are lifted or the snow stops, roads can still be closed and trains and buses stopped. Before setting out again, check your route and the transport you'll take.

Check forecasts and warnings for your area at the Japan Meteorological Agency ↗

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow and blizzard weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Example of a Japan Meteorological Agency short-time heavy snowfall bulletin, showing where the issued area, issue time, observation time and snowfall amounts appear. — 「気象防災速報（短時間大雪）」 is a short-time heavy snowfall bulletin. First read the area and issue time in the title, then check 「×時間に×センチ」 to see how many centimetres fell in how many hours. The ○·△·■·× marks are placeholders for values — not current warning information or nationwide thresholds.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency 「大雪に関する情報について」 · PDL1.0 · Used as published · Terms of use
Sources and terms checked: 2026-10-12

Is it okay to walk to my accommodation when the blizzard gets worse?

If you can't make out the road or direction, don't keep walking — even if your accommodation is close. Take shelter in a nearby building you can enter.

The meteorological observatory explains that a whiteout can make you lose your sense of direction and not know where you are. Cover exposed skin such as your face and hands, and watch out for wind-blown objects. If there's no building to enter and you need emergency rescue, ask for help and say where you are.

Don't hurry even on visible snowy roads. Sapporo City Fire Bureau advises short steps, feeling the whole sole of your shoe on the ground. Lift your feet slightly as you move — dragging them can trip you. Don't walk while looking at your phone. In a blizzard bad enough to block your view, don't try this — find shelter first.

Sapporo City Fire Bureau on walking on snowy roads ↗

Official sources: Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Bureau · Preventing falls on snowy roads (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support phone and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I keep driving if I have winter tires?

Even with winter tires, don't push on if visibility is poor or your car is stuck in snow. Postpone your departure if a blizzard is expected.

Before setting out, check the forecast for your area and whether your roads are closed. Ask the rental company whether you can change your pick-up or return dates.
If you must drive, load warm clothes and gloves, a shovel, water and food, and keep the tank well filled. Cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires, so take chains too.
If blowing snow cuts visibility while you're driving, don't push on to your destination. If you can reach a nearby rest stop or similar facility, wait there until the weather improves.

Don't assume a rental car or taxi will work just because the trains stopped. Heavy snow can close roads or trap your car in snow. If you switch to other transport, check separately that it is running and that the roads you'll use are open.

Official sources: Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in a blizzard and in a car stranded in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I leave the engine on if my car is stuck in snow?

If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch off the engine. If snow blocks the exhaust (where exhaust gas exits), exhaust gas can enter the car and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Switch on your hazard lights and call for help. If you need emergency rescue, call 119 or 110 and give your current location and say your car is buried in snow.
Don't leave the car and walk off into a blizzard without knowing where you're going. Hokkaido advises that if there's no building or nearby house to shelter in, you should contact police or fire services and wait for rescue inside the car.
Switch off the engine and wrap yourself in warm clothes and blankets. Body temperature can drop if you stay in the car a long time, and exhaust gas can enter if you leave the engine running — watch out for both dangers.
If you must run the engine to stay warm, the exhaust must be completely clear of snow and open to the outside. Keep checking that fresh snowfall or drifting snow isn't blocking the exhaust again. If going outside to clear snow is dangerous, don't risk it — tell the rescue services about your situation.

Don't assume you're safe because you opened a window a little or cleared the snow around the exhaust once. The agency warns that opening a window can actually raise the carbon monoxide risk depending on wind direction and how far it's open.

Hokkaido on what to do when your car is stuck in snow ↗

Official sources: Hokkaido · What to do in a blizzard and in a car stranded in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support phone and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I head straight for the airport or my next city once the snow stops?

Don't set out right away even if the snow stops. Check separately whether your booked flight is operating and whether trains or buses to the airport are running, and decide where you'll stay now.

Heavy snow can cancel train services and ground flights. Roads can close and power can fail. JR Hokkaido also cancels train services in advance to prevent trains being stuck between stations for a long time or stations getting overcrowded in snow or rain. This is called 「計画運休」(planned cancellation). Even trains on the timetable may not run that day.

If you can't travel and will arrive late at your next accommodation, contact it first. Ask whether you can change your arrival dates, and ask your current accommodation whether you can stay longer and what the extra charge is. Whether you get a room or meals, and whether cancellation fees are waived, depends on your booking terms and the accommodation's answer. Keep the change notices and the accommodation's replies.

Find your flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app. Check whether your flight is operating and whether its departure time has changed. An open airport doesn't mean your flight is on.
For trains or buses to the airport, look for your section on the operator's site. Check when cancellation or delay notices were issued. In Hokkaido, you can find your area and station in JR Hokkaido's running information.
If you can't travel or can't stay at your accommodation, ask staff where you can wait or get help. Look for currently open facilities in that city's official evacuation guidance, and check whether you can get there.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Why planned cancellations are decided in advance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train running information by area and station (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support phone and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Where can I ask for help if I can't explain myself in Japanese?

If you need an ambulance or urgent fire-service help, call 119. If the blizzard is causing you travel problems, you can call the JNTO traveller support hotline for help in English.

The JNTO number is 050-3816-2787 inside Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. It runs 24 hours a day, every day, with help for travel information, accidents, illness and disasters in English, Korean and Chinese. If you need emergency 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 the accommodation address or booking screen saved on your phone. Ask staff for a place to stay, supplies, medication or interpretation. Ask on site whether everything you need is available.

Find a shelter and ask staff for help →

Official sources: JNTO · Traveller support phone and emergency contacts (in English) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in a blizzard and in a car stranded in snow (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Sapporo's heavy snow forecast?

In the Japan Meteorological Agency's snow and blizzard weather information, open 「気象警報・注意報」(weather warnings and advisories) and the Hokkaido local weather information. Find Sapporo and check which forecasts or warnings are out and when they were issued. Check with each operator whether flights and trains are running. Don't assume a snow-depth map alone says it's safe to set out.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow and blizzard weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

If the train to the airport stops, does that mean my flight won't go?

Even if trains stop, your flight may still go — so check each separately. Find your flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app, and look for your section on the airport transport operator's site. Even after the snow stops, check that transport is running again before you move.

Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train running information by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I drive in a blizzard if I have winter tires and chains?

Don't assume the gear makes it safe to go. The fire agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. Avoid non-essential outings and driving when heavy snow or a severe blizzard is expected. If visibility drops while you're driving, don't push on.

Official sources: Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Can I run the engine if I open a window in a snow-buried car?

Opening a window doesn't remove the carbon monoxide risk. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to switch off the engine. Even when you must run it to stay warm, keep the exhaust completely open to the outside and keep checking that snow doesn't block it again. This doesn't guarantee safety. Tell the rescue services about your situation.

Can I walk to my accommodation in a blizzard if it's close?

If you can't see ahead or make out the direction, 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 emergency rescue, call 119 or 110 and give your current location and situation.

Official sources: Sapporo Regional Meteorological Observatory et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveller support phone and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
Sources checked: 2026-10-12

Official sources for this guide

Check current warnings and access restrictions in the notices for your area. For whether trains and flights are running, check the transport operators' latest notices.