The Kinki region (home to Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga, Nara Prefectures) could face its heaviest snowfall of the winter starting around January 21, with severe conditions expected to last for several days. Japan’s local meteorological offices in Kyoto, Kobe (Hyogo), and Hikone (Shiga) have issued early warnings, cautioning that northern areas of Kyoto, Hyogo, and Shiga prefectures may be placed under heavy snow warnings as the situation develops.
Prolonged Snowfall a Key Concern
Potential Snowfall Map in Kyoto from 21st of Jan 2026 , Adapted image from Kyoto Shimbun
Unlike short snow events, this system is expected to bring repeated waves of cold air between January 21 and 25, leading to prolonged and intense snowfall. Authorities warn that increasing snow accumulation could cause transport disruptions, snow removal accidents, and damage to buildings, particularly in areas not accustomed to sustained heavy snow.
Snowfall Could Reach 250% of Average
Potential Heavy Snow Map, Adapted from Kyoto Shimbun
Meteorologists forecast that five-day snowfall totals in northern Kinki may exceed 250% of the seasonal average. Depending on wind direction, urban areas such as Kyoto City and Otsu City could also see significant snowfall, which may impact commuting. As you can see in the image above, mostly north Kyoto ,Hyogo, and Shiga have potential heavy snowfall warnings.
At present, there are no official snow warnings for Kyoto City. While light snow flurries are possible at times during the week, significant accumulation in central Kyoto is not currently expected. For those hoping to experience snow, the best chances will be in nearby mountainous areas, such as Kibune, Kurama or Mount Hiei, where colder temperatures and elevation increase snowfall likelihood. For winter sports enthusiasts, skiing and snow activities are expected to be available in Shiga Prefecture, particularly in areas closer to Lake Biwa’s eastern and northern mountains.
What Residents and Travelers Should Do
Residents are encouraged to stay updated with weather alerts, prepare for possible rail and road delays, and take extra care during snow clearing. Travelers planning to move around Kyoto, Osaka, and the wider Kansai area should allow extra time and remain flexible, as conditions may change rapidly. With the potential for widespread impact, this snowfall event could become one of the most disruptive weather systems of the winter for the Kinki region this year. For train status updates, you can check JR Wests’ Status page in English.
While snow can be disruptive it can also be beautiful and fun! If you’re lucky to be in Kyoto as it snows, we recommend visiting Kifune Shrine’s winter light up event. This event is only available when it snows, making it a very unique experience to have .
Japan is expected to see significant snowfall beginning around Sunday, January 11, 2026, with forecasts indicating a stronger-than-average winter system moving into the region. A cold air mass is likely to bring steady to heavy snow to parts of Nagano and Niigata prefectures, as well as areas along the Japan Sea coast.
While snowfall totals may be higher than usual for this time of year, conditions will vary by location. Local authorities and weather services are monitoring the situation closely, and residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly. Already this season, mountain regions have seen substantial snow. In late December, Nozawa Onsen in Nagano recorded about 45 cm of snow during a cold event that brought strong snowfall to the northern part of the prefecture.
What’s Ahead: Intense Snow & Harsh Cold
Snowy Nozawa
Meteorologists watching the evolving atmosphere have identified a powerful cold air mass from Siberia colliding with moist air over the Sea of Japan. From January 11 through about the 14th, this combination will intensify the winter monsoon and drive exceptionally heavy snow inland toward Nagano and Niigata. The Japan Meteorological Agency and Japan Weather Association have issued early alerts for unusually high snowfall, indicating that this winter storm could surpass the intensity of typical seasonal snow events.
The cold air affecting Japan has already produced heavy snow in other areas along the Sea of Japan earlier in January, and recent observations show large accumulations over mountainous and coastal regions. The trend of repeated cold air outbreaks into next week sets up conditions for another surge of intense snowfall starting around January 11.
As this rare snow event develops, some disruption is possible across the region. Snow accumulation may make driving conditions more difficult on certain roads, and transport services such as trains and flights could experience delays if snowfall intensifies. Conditions will vary by area, particularly between lowland cities and higher elevations. Residents and travelers are encouraged to keep an eye on local weather and transport updates, allow extra time for travel, and take basic winter precautions. With sensible planning and up-to-date information, most people should be able to navigate the conditions safely.
Where to get information about snow warnings?
Be aware like this cat!
If you’re coming by the Hokuriku Shinkansen , be sure to visit their website to know about the status of their trains. Information is provided in both English & Japanese. If you’re taking conventional lines check out JR East’s status section. For the Nozawa Onsen Liner, you can check the schedule and information on their main website. For those driving, be sure to check the status of expressways. You can find information about various expressways in Japan using Nexco (note: their system is in Japanese). Google Maps may also be able to give you insights in English.
Nozawa Onsen Status
Nozawa Onsen
At present, Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort has issued no special warnings regarding ski facilities or conditions in the surrounding region. Their last update on the 26th of December was that night skiing will operate from January 10th. To see if there are any changes , we recommend you access their Japanese site (their notices are not on the English version).
Nozawa Fire Festival
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (Dosojin Matsuri) takes place every year on January 15 and is one of Japan’s most iconic winter traditions. Villagers construct a large wooden shrine and, as night falls, the festival comes alive with flaming torches, chanting, and the dramatic lighting of the structure, a centuries-old ritual to pray for good health, harmony, and good fortune in the year ahead.
The festival goes ahead even in heavy snow, making it a true winter experience and a powerful display of local spirit. Our Nagano-based staff member, Ben, highly recommends it, describing it as one of the most memorable cultural events in the region, especially when fire and snowfall meet under the winter night sky.
Where to stay in Nozawa Onsen
Kogawa House,Nagano
Shiki Properties has recently opened a new listing in Nozawa Onsen: Kogawa House, a spacious 95㎡, two-bedroom home designed for families or small groups seeking a relaxed and comfortable ski escape. The house blends modern convenience with traditional touches, featuring a Western-style bedroom alongside a tatami room, a private kitchen and dining area, and a full bathroom with laundry facilities. Underfloor and roof heating keep the space warm throughout winter, while a Google Smart TV with Netflix and English channels, plus free Wi-Fi, make it easy to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Ideally located just 400 meters from Hikage Slope and 200 meters from the Nozawa Onsen Bus Stop, Kogawa House offers both comfort and convenience in the heart of the village, perfect for returning home, relaxing, and recharging for another day in the snow. To book, or for more information, check our live listing today!
Kyoto woke to a fleeting winter gift on the morning of January 3rd, after light snow fell quietly across the city on the night of the 2nd. By dawn, temple paths, stone steps, and tiled rooftops were softly dusted in white, offering a rare and serene sight for early risers. Locals paused to take in the hushed atmosphere as familiar streets momentarily felt transformed.
As of 7:00 a.m. on the 3rd, snowfall varied across Kyoto Prefecture. Mineshiyama in Kyotango City recorded around 11 cm, while Miyama in Nantan City saw approximately 7 cm. Within Kyoto City, light accumulation of 1–2 cm was observed in northern areas such as Kita Ward and Sakyo Ward, particularly in the Rakuhoku district, while no measurable snowfall was recorded in the city center.
As is often the case in Kyoto, the snowfall was brief, by noon, the sun had gently erased most traces of snow, leaving behind only memories and photographs of a calm, wintry morning.
It’s hard to say exactly when it will snow next in Kyoto in 2026, as short-term weather can change day to day and isn’t certain that far ahead. Over the next week or so, there isn’t a strong prediction for significant snowfall in the city itself. However, based on Kyoto’s winter climate patterns, heavier snow typically arrives at least once in mid-January and again in early to mid-February in many years. Because Kyoto sits in a basin, snowfall in the city is often light and short-lived, but these periods offer the best chances for visible accumulation.
If you’re hoping to see snow during your visit, we recommend heading north to Kibune and Mt. Kurama, where higher elevations mean snow tends to fall more frequently and linger longer. These areas often transform into serene winter landscapes, even when central Kyoto remains clear.
Where can I learn more about when it may snow in Kyoto?
For the latest insights on when it may snow in Kyoto, Shiki Properties shares regular weather updates and seasonal observations across our social media channels. We post timely updates on changing conditions, including snowfall, so you can stay informed in real time.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date information on Kyoto’s weather, winter scenery, and the best moments to experience the city at its most atmospheric.
2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality, protection, and forward momentum in Japanese tradition. In Kyoto, several historic shrines such as Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Fujinomori Shrine and Kifune Shrine are deeply connected to horses. Both through ancient ritual practices and long-standing beliefs that horses serve as sacred messengers to the gods. Throughout the year, these shrines host horse-related ceremonies and festivals, and offer lucky horse charms (uma-mamori) said to bring good fortune, safe journeys, and success in the year ahead.
