Foreign residents across Japan faced significant travel disruptions this week as heavy snowfall led to major highway closures, stranded travelers, and dangerous road conditions from western to eastern regions of the country. The most severe incident occurred on the Sanyo Expressway, where vehicles became stranded in snow on the night of January 2nd. According to NHK, the upbound lanes experienced massive traffic jams stretching 23 kilometers from Hiroshima Prefecture into Yamaguchi Prefecture. While the congestion cleared by midday on January 3rd, road closures lasted over 16 hours, with surrounding national highways also affected. This highlights how quickly winter weather can transform major transportation arteries into impassable routes, leaving travelers stuck for extended periods. In Saitama Prefecture, approximately 100 worshippers found themselves unexpectedly stranded overnight at Mitsumine Shrine in Chichibu City. The January 2nd snowfall caused surrounding roads to close, preventing visitors from returning home. NHK reported that many people had no choice but to spend the night at the shrine facilities, demonstrating how rapidly changing weather conditions can trap people in mountainous areas popular with tourists and day-trippers. The severe weather wasn't limited to traditionally snowy regions. Strong cold air masses and winter pressure patterns brought heavy snow to the Chugoku and Hokuriku regions, with accumulation even in flatland areas that rarely see significant snowfall. According to NHK's weather reports, snow continued falling across the Sea of Japan side of northern and eastern Japan, with warnings issued about accumulating snow and frozen road surfaces. Even areas typically spared from winter weather experienced dangerous conditions. In Chiba Prefecture's Ichikawa City, police received multiple reports of accidents caused by vehicles slipping on the frozen surface of Ichikawa Bridge on National Route 357. The incidents occurred between 2:00 and 3:00 AM on January 3rd, according to local authorities. This serves as a stark reminder that bridges and overpasses freeze before regular road surfaces, creating hazardous conditions even in the greater Tokyo area. For foreign residents, these events underscore several important considerations for winter travel in Japan. First, weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly, particularly in mountainous regions and along the Sea of Japan coast. What begins as a routine trip can quickly become an overnight ordeal if roads close unexpectedly. Second, areas unaccustomed to heavy snowfall may lack adequate snow removal infrastructure, making even light accumulation problematic for traffic. Expats should monitor weather forecasts closely before traveling during winter months, particularly from December through February. The Japan Meteorological Agency provides detailed warnings in multiple languages through their website and mobile applications. Additionally, highway operators like NEXCO post real-time closure information on their websites and social media channels. When driving in winter conditions, proper preparation is essential. This includes winter tires or chains, which are legally required on many routes during snowy periods. Keeping emergency supplies in vehicles—including blankets, food, water, and phone chargers—can prove crucial if stranded. Foreign residents unfamiliar with driving in snow should consider avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather warnings. Public transportation, while generally more reliable than driving, can also experience significant delays and cancellations during heavy snowfall. Train services may operate on reduced schedules, and bus routes in affected areas often suspend service entirely. As Japan's winter season continues, residents should remain vigilant about weather conditions and prepared for potential disruptions. The recent incidents demonstrate that winter weather can create serious transportation challenges anywhere in the country, from major expressways to local roads, affecting both experienced residents and visitors alike.