Japan has been hit by the season's most severe cold snap in recent days. Sapporo City in Hokkaido recorded unprecedented snowfall on Sunday (Jan. 25), causing major transportation chaos. Services, including JR trains and buses connecting Sapporo to New Chitose Airport, were suspended, forcing approximately 7,000 people to stay overnight at the airport, where even finding floor space to sleep was difficult.
NHK and other media reported on Monday (Jan. 26) that, as of 10 pm local time on Sunday, Sapporo had received 54 cm of snowfall in 24 hours, setting a new January record since records began. Due to heavy snow, over 100 JR train services between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport were canceled starting Sunday. Railway companies are conducting snow removal operations and must inspect and confirm safety before services can gradually resume. Buses and taxis were also forced to stop operating, leaving the airport virtually isolated on land and stranding about 7,000 people inside for the night.
By 6 am Monday, a large crowd had gathered outside the gates at New Chitose Airport Station, waiting for train services to restart. A man from Osaka, who was originally headed to Hakodate, expressed his frustration at being trapped at the airport, saying he had been waiting for 8 to 9 hours with no announcements and a motionless queue. Online users shared photos from the scene, exclaiming, "This is truly catastrophic," "Over 300 foreigners are queuing at the taxi stand," "It's packed with people who can't get out," "There's no space even to sleep on the floor," and "The airport has become an island."
Meteorological authorities estimate that this cold snap has ended, but cold weather will continue to affect various regions across the country. Areas facing the Sea of Japan, from Hokkaido to Niigata, will continue to experience snowfall. Authorities have emphasized the need for the public to remain vigilant, especially regarding safety during snow removal activities.
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