What to Do If Heavy Snow or a Blizzard Hits During Your Japan Trip
If heavy snow or a strong blizzard is expected, postpone sightseeing and driving. If you're already out, don't push yourself to get back to your lodging — take shelter in a nearby building you can enter. Follow staff and on-site announcements, and if you plan to return home, check your flight and the transportation 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 you can enter, take shelter inside and cover your face and hands.
- If you can't see well while driving, don't push on. If you can pull into a nearby rest area or similar facility, wait there for the weather to improve.
- If your car won't move, turn on your hazard lights and call for rescue. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to turn off the engine. The risk of exhaust-gas poisoning remains even with a window open.
- Call 119 for an ambulance or emergency rescue, or 110 for police help. Give your location from your phone's map, nearby landmarks, and how many people you're with.
Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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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. Don't look at the numbers alone — read what danger it warns of and which areas or sections it applies to.
通行止
Meaning This road is closed — do not enter.
Do this Don't enter a closed road. Check separately whether a map app's detour is also closed, and follow on-site staff guidance.
Don't enter a closed road even with winter tires or chains. Signs alone can't tell you when the road will reopen.
Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
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外出は控えてください
Meaning A notice asking you to refrain from going out.
Do this Postpone sightseeing outings and driving. If you're already out, take shelter in a nearby building you can enter and follow on-site guidance.
Don't push yourself to move even if the snow looks light or your lodging is close. Ask staff whether you can enter a nearby building and whether you can reach your lodging.
Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · Blizzard preparedness mini-note (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
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運休
Meaning This train is not running.
Do this Find your travel date, train, and the suspended section in the notice. Check operator notices and ask station staff whether you can take another train or bus.
This alone doesn't mean flights are canceled 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 operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
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運転見合わせ
Meaning Train service is temporarily suspended.
Do this Don't head out guessing when service will resume — read the affected section and the latest notice. Ask station or lodging staff where you can wait right now.
This doesn't mean service will resume soon. Only part of a line may be suspended, so read the 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 Train suspensions decided in advance for weather and other reasons.
Do this Check the latest notice even if your booked train is on the timetable. See whether your travel date, train, and section are included, and contact your lodging if you'll arrive late or your plans change.
Trains on the timetable can also be suspended. Read the notice's dates and affected sections, and ask the operator about changes or refunds.
Official sources: JR Hokkaido · Why service is suspended in advance (in Japanese) ↗
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暴風雪警報
Meaning A blizzard warning issued when strong winds blow snow and visibility drops, increasing danger.
Do this Postpone going out and driving, and read the affected areas and issued time. If blowing snow hides the road, don't keep moving.
This differs from a heavy snow warning (大雪警報). This explains the Japanese meaning; check the latest notices for currently issued warnings.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
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大雪警報
Meaning A heavy snow warning issued when heavy snowfall threatens major damage or transportation disruption.
Do this Check your area's weather notices and the road and transportation notices you'll use. Avoid unnecessary outings and driving.
This isn't the same as a blizzard warning, and a warning alone doesn't tell you whether trains or flights are running.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗
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Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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What should I pack before traveling if heavy snow is forecast?
Pack warm clothes, gloves, and winter shoes that don't slip easily. On days heavy snow is expected, it's better to cut back on plans that take you far away.
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency advises avoiding unnecessary outings and driving as little as possible when heavy snow or a strong blizzard is expected. Before departing, check when snow and wind will intensify in your area and whether your roads may close or transportation may stop. It can be clear now and turn severe later.
Keep water and simple food at your lodging in case you can't go out. Charge your phone and portable battery, and save your lodging's address and contact information. On your return day, check the route and transportation to the airport before visiting sights far from the airport.
If you must walk on snowy roads
Wear shoes that don't slip easily and allow plenty of time so you don't have to rush. You can fall even with winter shoes or anti-slip gear, and you can lose your way in a blizzard.
If you're renting a car
Ask the rental company whether winter tires and chains are ready, and learn how to use the chains. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. Postpone driving if a blizzard is expected, even with the right equipment.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow & blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Department · Preventing falls on snowy roads (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
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How do heavy snow warnings and blizzard warnings differ?
What matters isn't only how much snow piles up, but also whether wind-blown snow hides what's ahead. Check which warning covers your area and when it was issued.
JMA's heavy snow warning (大雪警報) warns of major damage or transportation disruption from heavy snowfall. A blizzard warning (暴風雪警報) warns of strong winds with snow and the danger of blowing snow hiding what's ahead. Deep snow and a blizzard that hides what's ahead are different dangers.
In JMA's heavy snow and blizzard information, open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings and advisories) and find your area. Also check that area's local weather information. Don't set out based only on a snow-depth map or a phone weather icon. If on-site guidance tells you to stay in or evacuate, follow it.
The 「気象防災速報（短時間大雪）」 is a short-duration heavy snow bulletin issued when a large amount of snow in a short time raises the risk of major disaster. In areas where it's issued, avoid unnecessary outings. Don't travel there even from another area. If snow and rain are both forecast, or inundation or landslide notices are issued, also review what to do for heavy rain, flooding, and landslides.
Check JMA for currently issued warnings. Even after a warning is lifted or the snow stops, roads may be closed and trains or buses may still be stopped. Before setting out again, check your route and the transportation you'll take.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow & blizzard weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
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気象防災速報（短時間大雪） is a short-duration heavy snow bulletin. First read the area and issued time in the title, then look for 「×時間に×センチ」 in the body to see how many centimeters fell in how many hours. The ○, △, ■, and × are placeholders for values — not current warning information or nationwide standards.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency 「大雪に関する情報について」 · PDL1.0 · Used unmodified · Terms of use
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Can I walk to my lodging even as the blizzard worsens?
If you can't make out the road or tell which way to go, don't keep walking even if your lodging is close. Take shelter in a nearby building you can enter.
The meteorological observatory explains that when a blizzard turns everything white ahead, you can lose your sense of direction and not know where you are. Cover exposed skin like your face and hands, and watch for wind-blown objects. If there's no building to enter and you need urgent rescue, call for help and give your current location.
Don't rush even on snowy roads you can see. The Sapporo City Fire Department advises taking short steps and walking as if planting your whole sole on the ground. Don't shuffle with your feet on the ground — lift them slightly so you don't trip. Don't walk while looking at your phone. In a blizzard so thick you can't see ahead, don't try to walk like this — find shelter first.
Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Department · Preventing falls on snowy roads (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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Can I keep driving with winter tires on?
Even with winter tires, don't push on if you can't see ahead or your car is stuck in snow. Postpone your departure when a blizzard is expected.
- Before departing, check your area's forecast and whether your roads are closed. Ask your rental company whether you can change your pickup or return dates.
- If you must drive, load warm clothes, gloves, a shovel, water, and food, and fill up on fuel. Cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires, so bring chains too.
- If blowing snow hides what's ahead while driving, don't push on to your destination. If you can pull into a nearby rest area or similar facility, wait there for the weather to improve.
Don't assume you can just take a rental car or taxi because trains stopped. Heavy snow can close roads or strand cars in snow. To switch to other transportation, check separately whether it runs and whether your roads are open.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow & blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
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Can I leave the engine on and wait if my car is stuck in snow?
If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to turn off the engine. If the exhaust pipe (where exhaust gas exits) is blocked by snow, exhaust gas can enter the car and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Turn on your hazard lights and call for rescue. 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 without knowing where to go in a blizzard. Hokkaido advises that if there's no building or nearby house to shelter in, you contact police or fire services and wait in your car for rescue.
- Turn off the engine and wrap yourself in warm clothes and blankets. You can lose body heat sitting in the car a long time, and leaving the engine on can let exhaust gas in — watch for both dangers.
- If you must turn on the engine to stay warm, the exhaust pipe must be fully clear of snow and open to the outside. Keep checking that fresh snowfall or wind-drifted snow doesn't block it again. If going outside to clear snow is dangerous, don't push yourself — tell the rescue team about your situation.
Don't assume you're safe because you opened a window slightly or cleared snow around the exhaust pipe once. The meteorological observatory warns that carbon monoxide poisoning risk can actually rise depending on wind direction and how far the window is open.
Official sources: Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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Can I head straight for 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 departing and whether trains or buses to the airport are running, and decide where you'll stay right now.
Heavy snow can cancel train service (service suspension) or keep planes grounded. Roads may be closed and power may be out. To reduce long train stoppages between stations and station crowding from snow or rain, JR Hokkaido sometimes cancels train service in advance. This is called 「計画運休」 (planned service suspension). Even a train on the timetable may not run that day.
If you can't travel and will arrive late at your next lodging, contact the lodging first. Ask whether you can change your arrival date, and ask your current lodging whether you can stay longer and what the extra charge is. Room or meal service and cancellation-fee waivers depend on your booking terms and the lodging's answer. It's good to keep the change notices and the lodging's replies.
- Find your booked flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app. Check whether your flight is departing and whether the departure time changed. An open airport doesn't mean your flight is departing.
- For the trains or buses to the airport, find your section with each operator. Check when the cancellation or delay notice was issued. In Hokkaido, you can find your area and stations in JR Hokkaido's operation information.
- If you can't travel or can't stay at your lodging, ask staff where you can wait or get help. Find currently open facilities in that city's official evacuation guidance, and check whether you can get there.
- Check whether your train is running (JR Hokkaido) ↗
- What to do when your flight is late or canceled →
- Finding transportation to use in Japan →
- Finding open shelters by city →
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Why train service is canceled in advance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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Where can I ask for help if explaining in Japanese is hard?
Call 119 if you need an ambulance or urgent fire help. If the disaster has caused travel troubles, you can ask for help on the JNTO tourist support line.
The JNTO number is 050-3816-2787 within Japan and +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. You can get help in Korean, English, and Chinese, 24 hours a day, every day, for travel information and accidents, illness, and disasters. If you need urgent rescue, call 119 first, not JNTO.
Tell staff where you are, why you can't return to your lodging, how many people you're with, and what help you need. If explaining is hard, show them your lodging address or booking screen saved on your phone. Ask staff for a place to stay, supplies, medication, or an interpreter. Ask on-site whether you can receive everything you need.
Official sources: JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗
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Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see the Sapporo heavy snow forecast?
Open 「気象警報・注意報」 (weather warnings and advisories) and the Hokkaido local weather information in JMA's heavy snow and blizzard information. Find Sapporo and check what forecast or warning was issued and when. Check with each operator separately whether planes and trains are running. Don't assume it's fine to set out from a snow-depth map alone.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow & blizzard weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗
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If the airport train stops, does that mean my flight can't depart?
Trains can be stopped while flights still depart, so check each separately. Find your flight number and departure date on the airline's website or app, and find your section with each operator for airport transportation. Move only after confirming transportation is running again, even if the snow has stopped.
Official sources: Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗
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Can I drive in a blizzard with winter tires and chains?
Don't assume the right equipment means you can go safely. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency says cars can get stuck in snow even with winter tires. If heavy snow or a strong blizzard is expected, avoid unnecessary outings and driving. If you can't see ahead while driving, don't push on.
Official sources: Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow & blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
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Can I turn on the engine if I open the window in a snow-buried car?
The carbon monoxide poisoning risk remains even with a window open. If your car is buried in snow, the rule is to turn off the engine. Even when you must turn it on to stay warm, the exhaust pipe must be fully open to the outside and you must keep checking that snow doesn't block it again. This doesn't guarantee safety. Tell the rescue team about your situation.
Official sources: Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗
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Can I walk to my lodging in a blizzard if it's close?
If you can't see ahead or tell which way to go, don't keep walking even if your lodging is close. Take shelter in a nearby building you can enter and cover exposed skin like 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 Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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Official sources for this guide
Check local notices for current warnings and access restrictions. For trains and flights, see each transportation operator's latest notices.
Official sources: Sapporo Regional Headquarters, JMA, et al. · What to do in a blizzard (PDF, in Japanese) ↗ · Hokkaido · What to do in blizzards and snow-stranded cars (in Japanese) ↗ · Fire and Disaster Management Agency · What to prepare before heavy snow & blizzards (in Japanese) ↗ · Sapporo City Fire Department · Preventing falls on snowy roads (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Types of weather warnings and advisories (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow & blizzard weather information (in Japanese) ↗ · Japan Meteorological Agency · Heavy snow damage and warning guidance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Why train service is canceled in advance (in Japanese) ↗ · JR Hokkaido · Train operation info by area and station (in Japanese) ↗ · JNTO · Tourist support hotline and emergency contacts (in English) ↗
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