Centuries-rare heavy snow in Kyushu and Shikoku, Japan; frost flowers bloom in Hokkaido

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Okinawa’s Kume Island saw snowfall again after 39 years since February 17, 1977, due to the strong cold wave. The intense cold led to a sell-out of usually well-stocked winter essentials and electrical appliances at convenience stores and supermarkets in Okinawa. The lowest temperature reached 3.1°C, the second lowest in Okinawa Prefecture’s recorded history.

Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture saw snowfall after 115 years on January 24, 2016. The strong cold wave and snow heavily impacted traffic on the Shinkansen and domestic flights in Japan. Due to strong winds and heavy snow, many transportation changes occurred—be sure to check before you depart. Across Japan, snowfall was substantial: around 20 cm in southern Kyushu and Shikoku, about 40 cm in northern Kyushu, approximately 50 cm in the Kanto, Kansai, and Chugoku regions, around 60–70 cm in the Tohoku region, and over 50 cm to as much as 200 cm in Hokkaido.

Under the influence of the strong cold wave, travelers visiting Japan in the coming days should also check whether major attractions are open as usual. Be sure to pack warm clothing and personal medication, and prepare suitable outerwear and footwear for snowy conditions as much as possible.

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