There’s so much snow on the ground in Hokkaido, Japan, that it’s blocking the doors and windows of homes and businesses on the island in the northern part of the country. Cities like Obihiro and Kushiro are breaking snow records and more snow is on the way.

After almost cancelling a popular annual snow festival due to unseasonable January warmth, record-breaking snowfall has hit Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido, disrupting traffic, causing airport closures and delaying deliveries.

A city in Japan's Hokkaido sees almost4 feet of snow fall in only 12 hours:: saron17 via Instagram:: Obihiro, Japan:: 5, 2025The Meteorological Agency said a powerful low pressure system and moist air caused heavy snow to persist in Obihiro city in Hokkaido from Monday (February 3) night,

Weather officials say a low pressure system and moist air caused record snowfall in Obihiro City in Hokkaido, northern Japan, from late Monday through Tuesday morning.

The cold air mass is expected to fluctuate in intensity and persist until the weekend, with heavy snow forecast for Hokkaido, Tohoku and Hokuriku later this week.

Record-breaking snowfall has struck Hokkaido, Japan's northern island, causing significant disruptions in transportation and delivery systems. The extreme weather has led to airport closures, traffic issues,

Record-breaking snowfall fell on Japan 's northern main island of Hokkaido, disrupting traffic, causing airport closures and delaying deliveries on Tuesday.

Record-breaking snowfall fell on Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido on Tuesday, disrupting traffic, causing airport closures and delaying deliveries

An area of low pressure over the main island of Hokkaido in northern Japan caused record amounts of snow to fall in the region. There were considerable traffic disruptions and dozens of flight cancellations.

Obihiro city in Hokkaido records 1.2 metres of snow in 12 hours, weather officials say. Video credit: saron17 via Instagram