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Over 100 Seek Shelter as Heavy Snow Hits Japan

1/4/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Snowbound Shelters

More than 100 people sheltered overnight at Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama prefecture due to heavy snowfall.
Around 130 people were stranded after roads were closed for safety reasons.
They spent the night in the shrine's halls and lobbies, with about 50 cars' occupants taking refuge there.
No one reported illness.
Japan is experiencing significant snowfall, with forecasts predicting up to 40 cm in some areas.

Right

Japan: Heavy Snowfall

Heavy snowfall has begun in Japan, with central Tokyo recording its first snowfall on January 2, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
From January 2 to January 3, the JMA forecasts significant snow in the Kanto-Koshin region, especially mountainous areas.
A cold air mass below minus 36°C is expected to impact the region.
Forecasts project up to 10 cm of snow in northern mountains and lighter amounts elsewhere.

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Snowbound Shelters

More than 100 people sheltered overnight at Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama prefecture due to heavy snowfall.
Around 130 people were stranded after roads were closed for safety reasons.
They spent the night in the shrine's halls and lobbies, with about 50 cars' occupants taking refuge there.
No one reported illness.
Japan is experiencing significant snowfall, with forecasts predicting up to 40 cm in some areas.

1 / 2