The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a massive snowfall alert for Ishikawa and Tottori prefectures on January 26, 2026, due to a severe winter pressure pattern bringing heavy snow to the Sea of Japan side. In 24 hours until 6 p.m. Sunday, 47 cm fell in Kanazawa and 36 cm in Daisen, Tottori. The pattern is easing in western Japan, but vigilance is urged for northern areas on Monday.
On January 26, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released information on massive snowfall in Ishikawa and Tottori prefectures at 11:22 a.m. JST, as a severe winter pressure pattern delivered heavy snow to the Sea of Japan side of the Japanese archipelago, particularly in the Hokuriku and Chugoku regions.
In the 24 hours until 6 p.m. Sunday, snowfall reached 74 cm in Nozawa-Onsen, Nagano Prefecture; 72 cm in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture; 47 cm in Kanazawa; and 36 cm in Daisen, Tottori Prefecture.
In Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, streets were blanketed in heavy snow on Sunday, with pedestrians navigating the wintry conditions. This event underscores the ongoing challenges of winter weather in northern and western Japan, potentially disrupting transportation and daily life.
The JMA noted that the pressure pattern will gradually dissipate from western Japan, though heavy snow is expected in parts of northern Japan on Monday, prompting continued calls for caution.