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Heavy snow in eastern Japan causes flight delays; avalanche hits Kusatsu-Shirane ski area

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Since the 22nd, eastern Japan has been hit by heavy to blizzard-level snowfall—the heaviest in four years. The snow has caused numerous incidents. Due to severe weather, flights have been suspended at airports. At Narita Airport, 263 flights were canceled, affecting...

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Kumiko (translated)

Since the 22nd, eastern Japan has been hit by heavy to blizzard-level snowfall—the heaviest in four years. The snow has caused numerous incidents. Due to severe weather, flights have been suspended at airports. At Narita Airport, 263 flights were canceled, affecting 30,000 passengers, with over 5,000 forced to spend the night at the airport. Haneda Airport was also affected, with many domestic and international flights canceled.

The heavy snow left visible accumulations on the ground in Tokyo. (Photo provided by Jessica)

Affected by the heavy snow, multiple roads radiating outward from the eastern Japan region have been closed to traffic. Snowfall in Tokyo reached as high as 21 cm, and the Shinkansen and railways have also been impacted to varying degrees. Travelers vacationing in Tokyo and eastern Japan should pay special attention.

Multiple roads and highways in the eastern Japan region have been affected by the heavy snow. (Image / Japan YAHOO Real-Time Traffic Conditions)

Strong cold air from the north has pressured Japanese airspace, resulting in the heaviest snowfall in four years in the eastern Japan region. (Image / Japan Meteorological Agency)

Among the incidents, an avalanche occurred at the Kusatsu International Ski Area in Gunma Prefecture, involving around six people. According to reports from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, those caught were SDF members conducting training in the area. As Mount Kusatsu-Shirane has shown signs of volcanic activity, it is not ruled out that the avalanche is related to the volcanic eruption. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a volcanic crater alert for the area around Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, with the eruption alert level set at 3, prohibiting entry into the mountain. Approximately 15 people were injured by volcanic projectiles.

A scene of roads blanketed in heavy snow (Photography by MOOK Scenic Spots Home / Zhang Yingying)

Heavy snow fell in Tokyo, shrouding the urban area in thick fog. (Photo by Jessica)

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