Saitama Prefecture, Japan – More than 100 people were forced to seek shelter at Mitsumine Shrine, a mountaintop Shinto site, after heavy snowfall blocked access by road.
According to NHK, around 130 visitors spent the night in the shrine’s halls and lobbies on Friday as authorities closed nearby roads over safety concerns. The shrine accommodated occupants from approximately 50 cars, with local officials confirming that no one fell ill.
Severe Weather Conditions
Japan is currently experiencing heavy snowfall, with forecasts predicting up to 40 cm of snow in some regions on Saturday. Over the past 72 hours, some areas have recorded up to 80 cm of snow, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as a persistent cold front continues to affect the country.
Icy conditions and slippery roads prompted several accidents around the Mitsumine Shrine, including vehicles sliding off the road, leading local police to close access to ensure public safety. Temperatures in the region have dropped to as low as -15°C, while snow accumulation reaches about 4 cm near the shrine.
About Mitsumine Shrine
Perched at 1,110 meters (3,640 ft) above sea level near Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine is a renowned site of Shinto worship, dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi, credited with creating the Japanese islands.
Historical records indicate the shrine was founded in the 1st Century by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō, and continues to attract both worshippers and tourists for its cultural and spiritual significance.
