Heavy snow blankets northern Japan as winter sets in

Cars, parks and stores lie covered in snow across Japan’s Hokkaido as the northern region witnesses substantial snowfall.

Recent forecasts from late 2025 predicted strong cold snaps and heavy snow for early December in these northern and coastal areas, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing warnings for extreme conditions. The country's weather agency has warned people to be wary of avalanches and snow accumulation on power lines.