A heavy snowfall warning is currently affecting the Kanto Koshin region as the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts significant accumulation of snow from March 4 through March 5, 2025. This weather phenomenon, described as having the potential to reach warning levels particularly in the mountainous areas of northern Kanto, poses serious risks to transportation and daily activities.
Snowfall is expected even within central Tokyo, where authorities are concerned about road freezing, reduced visibility, and increased likelihood of traffic accidents. Logistics delays and possible suspensions of public transportation have raised alarms over the coming days, particularly as preventive measures have been initiated to mitigate these impacts. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, along with various highway companies, have announced the likelihood of preventive road closures on highways during and before the anticipated snowfall, aiming to minimize disruptions.
Starting from March 3 at 5 PM, preventive closures on several key highway sections were announced. These include: from 3 PM to 9 PM on March 4 for the Tomei Expressway stretch between Tokyo Interchange to Shimizu Interchange, the Shin-Tomei Expressway from Ebina Minami Junction to Shin-Qinoko Interchange, and more across various expressways including the Hanamaki Bypass and Ken-O Expressway.
Transport networks are likely to struggle under the predicted conditions, with affected sections also including parts of the Chuo Expressway and national roads with closures traveling from 5 PM to 7 PM on March 4. With conditions worsening, drivers are urged to prepare their vehicles adequately, ensuring they are equipped with winter tires or chains. Fuel reserves, food supplies, and warm clothing are also recommended as people brace for adverse weather situations.
Traffics have already started to be affected severely, with jams reported on National Route 246 around Setagaya Ward, attributed mainly to the preventive road closures on the Tomei Expressway and other highways. Commuters should expect significantly longer travel times as general roads are expected to be congested as vehicles are rerouted from affected highways.
Notably, the snowfall is not just limited to its logistical impacts but also threatens recreational outings. Tourists visiting places like Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, are contemplating their returns, with concerns voiced over accessible transportation disrupted by the snow. Yamanashi's Kawaguchiko Station is also experiencing traffic complications, with train cancellations affecting travelers hoping to return to key metropolitan areas. Foreign tourists hoping to return to Shinjuku by the express train scheduled for 2:55 PM are finding themselves caught as cancellations snowball due to the inclement weather.
Temperatures across parts of Tokyo dropped considerably, with the temperature at Hachioji Station recording around 3 degrees Celsius, and snow began flurrying around 3 PM. The alert for icy conditions has raised worries as normal tire-equipped vehicles have been banned from using certain expressways. Recent history shows how ill-prepared the transport systems can be when heavy snow arrives; for example, in 2018, significant delays occurred due to trucks blocking key access points.
This warning classifies today's snowfall as ‘spring snow’, bearing heavy flakes observed particularly around 3 PM on March 4. By this time, activities have started to pause across the prefectures, with local ramen eateries reconsidering their operating hours and employees being sent home early.
Long lines were seen as anxious patrons sought early returns amid growing traffic complications, and with forecasts predicting up to 3 cm of snow by the evening of March 5 across the Tokyo 23 wards, caution continues to be emphasized. Reports from throughout Kanto note significant chill, urging residents to avoid unnecessary outings.
Disruptions are expected to continue well past the anticipated snow events, as local officials maintain the importance of monitoring real-time weather updates and transport advisories to prepare properly for road conditions.
Such snowfall is rare for the region, and even small accumulations can create substantial challenges as the Kanto area grapples with transportation infrastructure not fully equipped to deal with winter weather. The last-minute changes by various transportation authorities aim for the swift and safe recovery of road accessibility.
The extension of road closures throughout various highways, including parts of the Metropolitan Expressway and said national routes noted, is indicative of the coordinative efforts between transport and weather authorities reacting to the immediate risk forecasted.
With the arrival of the snow, officials are calling for vigilance and prudence when considering outdoor travel. Numerous drivers across the major routes are now experiencing the consequences of these preventative actions, and the effects of the anticipated heavy snow on March 5 will only become apparent as conditions evolve through the night.
Today’s snowfall stands to highlight the broader issues faced by urban mobility during inclement weather, prompting authorities to reassess traffic management practices during adverse weather events and ensuring the appropriate resources are available for road maintenance.