Weather officials in Japan are urging caution as heavy snowfall is expected along the Sea of Japan coast from western to northern regions through Friday.
Severe winter weather brought major traffic disruption as relentless snowfall created dangerous road conditions.
In Niigata Prefecture, Tsunan Town recorded 21 centimetres in six hours, while Tadami in Fukushima saw 16 centimetres. Depths now stand at 264 centimetres in parts of Niigata and 150 centimetres in Aomori City.
Colder air is forecast to intensify snowfall in Tohoku and across western and eastern Japan. Up to 70 centimetres of fresh snow is expected in some regions within 24 hours.
Officials warn of traffic disruption, avalanches and power cuts.
