If you face heavy snow or blizzards during your Japan trip
If heavy snow or severe blizzards are expected, postpone sightseeing and driving. If you are already outside, do not push yourself to return to your accommodation — take shelter in a nearby building you can enter. Follow staff instructions or on-site announcements. If you plan to fly home, check your flight and transport to the airport separately.
Official sources checked: 2026-10-12
If you are in a blizzard right now
- If you cannot see ahead while walking, do not keep going. If there is a shop or building nearby you can enter, take shelter inside, and cover exposed face and hands.
- If you cannot see well while driving, do not keep going. If you can enter a nearby rest facility, wait there until the weather improves.
- If your car will not move, turn on hazard lights and call for rescue. If your car is buried in snow, turn off the engine. Even with windows open, carbon monoxide poisoning risk remains.
- If you need an ambulance or emergency rescue, call 119; if you need police help, call 110. Tell them your location from your phone map, nearby landmarks, and how many people are with you.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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How to read Japanese signs and notices
When you see the Japanese below on signs or phone alerts, check what it means. Do not look at the numbers alone — read what danger is being announced and which area or section it covers.
通行止
Meaning This means you must not enter this road.
What to do Do not enter closed roads. Check separately whether detour routes on map apps are also closed, and follow on-site staff guidance.
Even with winter tires or chains, do not enter closed roads. Signs alone cannot tell you when the road will reopen.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗
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外出は控えてください
Meaning This is guidance asking you to refrain from going out.
What to do Postpone sightseeing outings and driving. If you are already outside, protect yourself in a nearby building you can enter and follow on-site guidance.
Do not push yourself to move even if snow looks light or your accommodation is close. Check with staff whether you can enter a nearby building and whether you can reach your accommodation.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗
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運休
Meaning This means the train is not running.
What to do Find your travel date, train, and suspended sections in the notice. Check operator notices and ask station staff whether you can take other trains or buses.
This alone does not mean flights are also cancelled. Ask separately whether you can take buses or taxis, and whether you can change bookings or get refunds.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
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運転見合わせ
Meaning This means train operations are temporarily suspended.
What to do Do not head out guessing at resumption — read the target sections and new notices. Ask station or accommodation staff where you can wait now.
This does not mean services will resume soon. Only some sections may be stopped, not the whole line, so read section names together.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
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計画運休
Meaning This means planned suspension of train operations was decided in advance for weather.
What to do Even if your booked train is on the timetable, check new notices. See whether your date, train, and section are included, and contact your accommodation if you will arrive late or plans change.
Trains on the timetable can also be suspended. Read the notice dates and target sections, and ask the operator about changes and refunds.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Why suspensions are decided in advance (in Japanese) ↗
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暴風雪警報
Meaning This is a blizzard warning issued when strong winds blow snow and visibility drops, increasing danger.
What to do Postpone outings and driving, and read the target area and issued time. If blowing snow hides the road, do not keep moving.
This differs from 大雪警報 (heavy snow warning). Here we explain the Japanese meaning; check the latest notices for current warnings.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
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大雪警報
Meaning This is a heavy snow warning issued when heavy snow may cause major damage or transport disruptions.
What to do Check weather notices for your area and guidance for roads and transport you will use. Avoid non-urgent outings and driving.
This is not the same as a blizzard warning, and train/flight operations cannot be judged by warnings alone.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
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Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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If heavy snow is forecast, what should I pack before traveling?
Pack warm clothes, gloves, and non-slip winter shoes. On days when heavy snow is expected, reduce plans to move far away.
Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises avoiding non-urgent outings and not driving if heavy snow or severe blizzards are expected. Before departure, check when snow and wind will intensify in the area you are heading to, and whether roads you will use may be blocked or transport may stop. Even if it is clear now, weather can worsen rapidly later.
Keep water and simple food at your accommodation in case you cannot go out. Charge your phone and backup battery, and save your accommodation address and contact. If returning home, we recommend checking the route and transport to the airport first rather than visiting tourist spots far from the airport on your departure day.
If you must walk on snow
Wear non-slip shoes and allow plenty of time to walk without rushing. Even with winter shoes or anti-slip gear you can fall, and in blizzards you can lose your way.
If renting a car
Ask the company whether winter tires and chains are ready, and learn how to use chains. The fire agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. Even with equipment, if blizzards are expected, postpone driving.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Fire Department · Preventing falls on snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗
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How are heavy snow warnings and blizzard warnings different?
Snow depth matters, but so does whether wind-blown snow blocks your view. Check which warnings were issued for your area and when.
JMA heavy snow warning (大雪警報) warns of major damage or transport stops from heavy snow. Blizzard warning (暴風雪警報) is for strong winds with snow and the danger of wind-blown snow blocking your view. Heavy snow accumulation and loss of visibility in blizzards are different dangers.
In JMA heavy snow and blizzard information, open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings/advisories) and find your area. Also view local meteorological information for the area. Do not set out based only on maps showing snow depth or phone weather icons. If on-site guidance tells you to refrain from going out or to evacuate, follow that guidance.
「気象防災速報（短時間大雪）」 is a short-time heavy snow bulletin when heavy snow in a short time raises major disaster risk. In issued areas, avoid non-urgent outings. Even if you are in another area, do not travel there. If snow and rain are forecast together, or flood/landslide guidance has been issued, also learn what to do for heavy rain, floods, and landslides.
Check current warnings at JMA. Even if warnings are lifted or snow stopped, roads may be blocked or trains/buses stopped. Before setting out again, you must check the route you will take and the transport you will use.
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) ↗
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気象防災速報（短時間大雪） is a short-time heavy snow bulletin. First read the area and issued time in the title, then in the body 「×時間に×センチ」 see how many cm fell in how many hours. The ○·△·■·× are placeholders for values, not current warning information or national common standards.
Credit: Japan Meteorological Agency 「大雪に関する情報について」 · PDL1.0 · Used unchanged · Terms of use
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Can I walk to my accommodation even if the blizzard worsens?
If you cannot make out the road or tell which direction to go, do not keep walking even if your accommodation is close. If there is a building nearby you can enter, take shelter inside.
JMA explains that when blizzards turn everything white ahead, you can lose your sense of direction and not know where you are. Cover exposed skin like face and hands, and in wind-blown snow watch out for flying objects too. If there is no building to enter and you need urgent rescue, ask for help and tell them your current location.
Do not rush even on visible snowy roads. Sapporo Fire Department advises walking with small steps, feeling your whole sole on the ground. If you drag your feet while keeping them on the ground you can trip and fall, so lift them slightly as you move. Do not walk while looking at your phone. In blizzards so severe you cannot see ahead, do not try to walk like this — find shelter first.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Fire Department · Preventing falls on snow (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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Can I keep driving with winter tires on?
Even with winter tires, do not push yourself to drive if you cannot see well or your car is blocked by snow. If blizzards are expected, postpone departure.
- Before departure, check forecasts for your area and whether roads you will use are blocked. Ask the rental company whether you can change pickup or return dates.
- If you must drive, load warm clothes, gloves, a shovel, water and food, and enough fuel. Even with winter tires, cars can get stuck in snow, so bring chains too.
- If blowing snow hides visibility while driving, do not push to your destination. If you can enter a nearby rest facility, wait there until the weather improves.
Do not assume you can take a rental car or taxi if trains stopped. Roads may be blocked by heavy snow or cars stuck. To switch transport, check separately whether that transport is running and whether the roads you will use are open.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
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If my car is stuck in snow, can I keep the engine on and wait?
If your car is buried in snow, turn off the engine. If the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow, exhaust gas can enter the car and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Turn on hazard lights and call for rescue. If urgent rescue is needed, call 119 or 110 and tell them your location and that your car is buried in snow.
- Do not leave your car and walk in a blizzard without knowing where to go. Hokkaido advises that if there is no building or nearby house to shelter in, contact police/fire and wait for rescue in the car.
- Turn off the engine and wrap yourself in warm clothes and blankets. Staying long in the car can lower body temperature, and keeping the engine on can let exhaust gas in — watch both risks.
- If you must turn on the engine to stay warm, the exhaust pipe must not be blocked by snow and must be fully open to outside. New falling snow or wind-piled snow can block the exhaust again, so keep checking. If going outside to clear snow is dangerous, do not overdo it — tell rescue personnel about your situation.
Do not feel safe just because you opened a window slightly or cleared snow around the exhaust once. JMA says carbon monoxide poisoning risk may increase depending on wind direction and how much windows are open.
Official sources: Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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When snow stops, can I head straight to the airport or next city?
Do not set out right away even if snow stops. Check separately whether your booked flight departs, whether trains/buses to the airport run, and decide where to stay now.
Heavy snow can cancel train operations (suspension) or stop flights. Roads may be closed or power outages may occur. JR Hokkaido says it may cancel train operations in advance to reduce trains stopping long between stations or stations becoming crowded due to snow or rain. This is called 「計画運休」 (planned suspension). Even trains on the timetable may not run that day.
If you cannot travel and will arrive late at your next accommodation, contact them first and ask whether you can change your arrival date. Ask your current accommodation whether you can stay longer and what additional charges apply. Whether rooms or meals are provided, or cancellation fees are waived, depends on booking conditions and the accommodation's answer. Keep change notices and the accommodation's replies.
- Find your flight number and departure date on the airline website or app. Check whether the flight departs and whether departure time changed. Even if the airport is open, your flight may not depart.
- For trains/buses to the airport, find your section with the operator. Also check when suspension or delay notices were issued. In Hokkaido, you can find your area and station in JR Hokkaido operation information.
- If you cannot move or stay at your accommodation, ask staff where you can wait or get help. In the city official evacuation guidance, find facilities open now, and find out whether you can get there.
- Check if your JR Hokkaido train runs ↗
- What to do when flights are delayed or cancelled →
- Look up transport options in Japan →
- Find open shelters by city →
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Why train operations are cancelled in advance ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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Where can I ask for help if I cannot explain in Japanese?
If you need an ambulance or urgent fire help, call 119. If the disaster has caused travel difficulties and you would like to consult in English, call the JNTO traveler support line.
JNTO phone number is 050-3816-2787 within Japan, +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. 24 hours daily in Korean, English, and Chinese for travel information and help with accidents, illness, and disasters. If you need urgent rescue or an ambulance, call 119 before JNTO.
Tell staff your current location, why you cannot return to your accommodation, how many people are with you, and what help you need. If hard to explain, show your saved accommodation address or reservation screen on your phone. If you need space to stay, supplies, medicine, or interpretation, ask staff. Whether you can get everything you need must be asked on site.
Official sources: JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗ · Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗
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Related guides
FAQ
Where do I see Sapporo heavy snow forecasts?
In JMA heavy snow and blizzard information, open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings/advisories) and Hokkaido local weather information. Find Sapporo to see what forecasts or warnings were issued and when. Check flight and train operations separately with each operator. Do not assume it is safe to set out based only on a map showing snow depth.
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) ↗
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If airport trains stop, will my flight also not depart?
Even if trains have stopped, flights may depart — check each separately. Find your flight number and departure date on the airline website or app, and check your route to the airport with the transport operator. Even if the snow has stopped, confirm that transport has resumed before setting out.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Damage from heavy snow and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
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With winter tires and chains, can I drive in blizzards?
Do not assume you can go safely with equipment. The fire agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. If heavy snow or severe blizzards are expected, avoid non-urgent outings and driving. If you cannot see well ahead while driving, do not keep driving recklessly.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗
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If I open windows in a snow-buried car, can I keep the engine on?
Carbon monoxide poisoning risk remains even with windows open. If your car is buried in snow, turn off the engine. Even when you must turn it on to stay warm, the exhaust must be fully open to the outside and you must keep checking that snow does not block it again. Even so, safety cannot be guaranteed. Tell rescue personnel about your current situation.
Official sources: Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗
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Can I walk in a blizzard if my accommodation is close?
If you cannot see ahead or tell direction, do not keep walking even if your accommodation is close. Take shelter in a nearby building you can enter, and cover exposed skin like face and hands. If you have nowhere to shelter and need urgent rescue, call 119 or 110 and tell them your current location and situation.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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Official sources for this guide
Check local notices for current warnings and access restrictions. For whether trains and flights are running, see the transport operators' latest notices.
Official sources: Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory · What to do in blizzards (PDF) (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · Blizzards and cars stuck in snow (in Japanese) ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow and blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Fire Department · Preventing falls on snow (in Japanese) ↗ · 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) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Why train operations are cancelled in advance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Traveler support line and emergency contacts ↗
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