Travel alert for Japan: Heavy snow expected in Tokyo today and tomorrow

Attention to travelers heading to Japan—Japan’s weather is taking a turn for the worse. For the past week, forecasts have indicated possible snowfall in the Kanto region, and yesterday the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued an urgent warning that heavy snow is likely to hit the Tokyo area today and tomorrow. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant to avoid a repeat of the traffic paralysis caused by heavy snow four years ago, and recommend staying indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Caught between a southern low-pressure system and a northern cold front, Japan faces the possibility of snowfall today, with current weather simulations closely resembling those from Tokyo’s major snowstorm four years ago. The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that central Tokyo could see snow accumulation exceeding 10 centimeters. Back then, snowfall broke records in Japan’s meteorological history, with Tokyo accumulating 27 centimeters—the highest in 45 years—and Chiba seeing up to 33 centimeters. The rare heavy snowfall also caused significant disruptions to both ground and air transportation.

While the high chance of snow could bring a silver-coated Tokyo, the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued another urgent warning yesterday: from noon today through the morning of tomorrow, heavy snow is expected across the Kanto-Koshin and Tohoku regions. Snow accumulation in the Kanto plains may reach up to 40 centimeters, and central Tokyo could see 5 to 10 centimeters. Travelers preparing to head to Japan should pay close attention to any changes in flight schedules, while those already in Japan are advised to stay cautious to avoid being impacted by potential transportation disruptions due to the snow.