Japan Hit By Heavy Snows

Above, my commuter train stopped at a Chiba station due to heavy snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a story that brings back memories.

Japan is currently being hit by a rare heavy snowstorm. The storm has caused flight cancellations and Shinkansen stoppages.

According to Travel + Leisure:

Parts of Japan, including southwestern Fukui Prefecture, eastern Tottori Prefecture, Kyoto, Tokyo, and other regions along the Sea of Japan coast, are grappling with heavy snowfall. Extreme weather in Japan has made roads dangerously icy, triggering widespread travel disruptions such as cancelled flights and bullet train suspensions. The operational crisis triggered over 100 cancelled All Nippon Airways and ANA Wings flights, and delays were reported by Japan Airlines and Ibex. So far, over 371 flight cancellations and 1,710 delays have been reported in total. 

Above, yours truly at the Chiba station.

This all brings back memories of my 2014 trip to Japan. Upon arrival at Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture, a heavy snowstorm also arrived. I managed to get on a commuter train to Tokyo, but the storm forced the train to halt at a train station midway. I was stuck in the train car for almost 24 hours. 

Luckily for me, a Japanese gentleman called my hotel for me to let them know of my predicament. 

Above, the snow-covered Godzilla slide in Yokosuka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an interesting trip nonetheless. I was able to go to the Godzilla slide in Yokosuka as well as Yokohama. I also went to Kappabashi "Kitchen Town" in Tokyo and picked up some chef's knives.

Just before leaving Japan, a second storm hit. 

Above, my hotel after the second snow storm hit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full story, go here.