Full Breakdown
Record Snowfall Strands Thousands at Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport
1/26/2026, 10:10:17 PM
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Transportation
On January 25, 2023, Hokkaido, Japan, experienced record-breaking snowfall, leading to significant transportation disruptions. New Chitose Airport, the primary airport serving Sapporo, saw 56 flights canceled and approximately 7,000 passengers stranded overnight as heavy snow paralyzed transport networks. Sapporo recorded 54 centimeters of snow within 24 hours, marking the highest January snowfall on record, according to the Hokkaido government. Additionally, over 500 train services were canceled, affecting around 130,000 people, as snow removal efforts were underway.
Impact on Travelers
The extreme weather conditions left travelers unable to leave the airport, as rail and bus services were suspended. Footage from the airport showed large crowds congesting the area, with many passengers unable to move due to the overwhelming numbers. Reports indicated that 140 Rapid Airport trains were canceled on January 25, and highway buses to Sapporo were also halted. As a result, the number of stranded passengers grew rapidly, exacerbating the situation.
Travelers expressed frustration and exhaustion, with some waiting for hours to secure transportation. One passenger noted, "I waited six hours but it didn’t move at all," while another described the conditions as "terrible this year," highlighting the challenges faced by families, particularly those with children.
Ongoing Challenges and Responses
As of January 26, the situation remained critical, with rail tracks still buried under snow and widespread cancellations persisting. Although some train services resumed around 1:30 p.m., the timetable had not returned to normal. A temporary bus service was introduced, but many passengers struggled to board due to high demand. Long lines formed at taxi stands, with reports of waits exceeding five hours.
Social media platforms were flooded with posts from frustrated travelers, emphasizing the chaos and lack of clear guidance. One traveler shared, "I was planning to go to Hakodate, but all trains were suspended. I waited for 8 to 9 hours, but there was no clear guidance, so I felt helpless."
Official Statements and Weather Forecast
JR Hokkaido, responsible for train services, is conducting snow removal operations but indicated that normal service may not resume for some lines even by the afternoon of January 26. Imai Kie, a forecaster with the Japan Weather Association, warned that snow would likely ease only after midday, raising concerns about potential traffic accidents and further stranding of individuals during ongoing snow removal efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I’m exhausted. I waited six hours but it didn’t move at all." — Anonymous Traveler
- "It’s terrible this year. It’s cold, and there are so many people. I feel sorry for the children." — Anonymous Traveler
- "All routes are cut off and there is no way to leave the airport." — Frustrated Passenger
- "I waited for 8 to 9 hours, but there was no clear guidance, so I felt helpless." — Anonymous Traveler
As conditions improve, many travelers remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the ongoing disruptions, with some preparing for the possibility of spending another night at the airport.
