Heavy Snowfall Crisis: Record Snow Leaves 10 Dead, Thousands Stranded at Hokkaido Airports | Japan 2026

The Onset of the Hokkaido Heavy Snowfall Crisis

In late January 2026, a powerful cold air mass from Siberia collided with moist winds from the Sea of Japan, unleashing an extraordinary bout of heavy snowfall across Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. This meteorological phenomenon, known as the Sea of Japan Snowband (a narrow band of intense snowfall caused by orographic lift over mountains), intensified rapidly starting around January 22, leading to what authorities described as one of the most severe winter storms in recent memory. Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, and surrounding areas bore the brunt, with snow accumulating at rates far exceeding seasonal norms and paralyzing daily life.

The crisis peaked on January 25, transforming bustling streets into white wastelands and grounding air travel. What began as routine winter weather warnings escalated into a full-scale emergency, highlighting Hokkaido's vulnerability to extreme snow events despite its residents' long adaptation to harsh winters.

Record-Breaking Accumulation in Sapporo and Beyond

Sapporo recorded 54 centimeters of snow in just 24 hours through the evening of January 25, marking the highest January daily total since records began in 1999. By the following afternoon, snow depth at observatories reached 111 centimeters, surpassing one meter for the first time in four years. In the Chuo Ward, the epicenter of the city's activity, the relentless dumping created drifts that buried vehicles and blocked doorways.

Across Hokkaido, similar extremes were reported: Otaru saw significant buildups, while mountainous regions like the Hakkoda range in nearby Aomori Prefecture amassed up to 4.5 meters. These figures underscore Hokkaido's status as one of the snowiest places on Earth, where annual accumulations routinely exceed 10 meters in peak ski areas, but this event's intensity during peak tourist season amplified the disruption.

Thousands Stranded at New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's primary gateway and just 45 kilometers south of Sapporo, became ground zero for traveler chaos. Approximately 7,000 passengers were forced to spend the night of January 25-26 inside the terminal after 56 flights were canceled due to whiteout conditions and runway closures. Rail links via JR Hokkaido's rapid Airport service to Sapporo were suspended, effectively landlocking the airport as the connecting Do-O Expressway shut down.

Overcrowded lounges, long lines at food counters, and sleeping bags strewn across floors dominated social media images. Some travelers waited over 200 deep for taxis, while others hunkered down amid dwindling supplies. Airport operator Hokkaido Airports Co. opened facilities overnight, but the scale overwhelmed resources, stranding domestic and international visitors alike during high-season ski trips. Mainichi report on airport stranding

Ripple Effects on Rail and Road Networks

JR Hokkaido canceled over 500 train services, impacting around 130,000 passengers, including lines from Sapporo to Asahikawa and Hakodate. The entire Sasson Expressway between Sapporo and Otaru closed, and residential streets remained uncleared for days, turning commutes into multi-hour ordeals.

• Expressways: Do-O closed between Sapporo and Chitose; Sasson fully shut.
• Rail: All Sapporo-area services halted until afternoon of January 26 for snow clearing.
• Roads: General passability maintained but hazardous; buried cars common in urban areas.

Clearing operations involved heavy plows and manual labor, but black ice and poor visibility prolonged closures, stranding motorists overnight.

Tragic Toll: 10 Lives Lost Nationwide

Japan's Internal Affairs Ministry reported 10 fatalities over a seven-day span from snow-related incidents, primarily heart attacks while shoveling heavy snow or falls from rooftops during removal efforts. Niigata Prefecture on the mainland saw the most with six deaths, including four from cardiac events amid exertion and two rooftop mishaps where depths exceeded 2.4 meters.

While Hokkaido-specific deaths were not detailed in initial tallies, the crisis contributed to the broader winter toll, with officials warning of avalanche risks as temperatures fluctuated. Injuries numbered in the dozens, mostly from slips and snow-clearing accidents.
NHK coverage of snow fatalities

Economic and Daily Life Disruptions

The timing coincided with peak winter tourism, crippling Hokkaido's ski industry worth billions annually. Niseko and other resorts saw inbound flights diverted, hotel bookings disrupted, and lift operations challenged by access issues. Local businesses reported losses from closed roads, while schools and offices shifted to remote work where possible.

Agricultural impacts included buried greenhouses and delayed shipments, exacerbating supply chain strains. Power outages were minimal thanks to robust infrastructure, but heating demands spiked electricity prices to 2026 highs.

Swift Government and Community Response

Hokkaido Governor Fumio Kimura activated emergency protocols, deploying Self-Defense Forces for snow removal in hard-hit areas. Local governments distributed salt and provided shelters, with Sapporo opening underground walkways for 340 overnight stays near stations.

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued level-highest warnings, urging residents to avoid solo shoveling and use safety harnesses. Prime Minister's office instructed coordinated evacuations and info dissemination.
Japan Times on recovery

• SDRF deployment for rescues.
• Airport aid: Blankets, meals distributed.
• Public advisories on avalanche and roof collapse risks.

Historical Context and Lessons Learned

Hokkaido's snow legacy includes world records like 1.29 meters in 12 hours at Obihiro in 2025. Past crises, such as 2021's multi-meter dumps, prompted investments in heated sidewalks and advanced plows. This 2026 event exposed gaps in airport-rail integration during extremes.

Lessons: Enhanced forecasting via JMA's snowband models, community snow brigades, and tourist advisories for flexible itineraries.

Climate Influences and Future Outlook

While Arctic amplification drives volatile winters, Hokkaido's geography ensures heavy snow persistence. JMA forecasts more snow Tuesday (Jan 27) from Hokkaido to Hokuriku, with Sea of Japan coast at risk through Friday.

Long-term: Warmer temps may shift powder quality, threatening tourism, but extreme events like this underscore adaptation needs—stronger roofs, resilient transport.

Practical Advice for Travelers and Residents

For visitors: Monitor JMA apps, book refundable lodging, pack chains and winter gear. Residents: Shovel in pairs, clear roofs early, prepare emergency kits.

Recovery underway: Trains resumed partially Jan 26 afternoon; flights normalizing. Hokkaido's resilience shines, but preparation remains key.
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Looking Ahead: Resilience in the Face of Winter Fury

The 2026 Hokkaido heavy snowfall crisis tested infrastructure but showcased community spirit. With more snow forecast, vigilance continues. As Japan navigates intensifying winters, innovations in snow management promise safer futures. Stay informed and safe—for career moves or adventures, resources like higher-ed jobs, career advice, and Rate My Professor keep you connected amid any storm.