Heavy snow continued on Wednesday across much of Japan as the country grapples with the most severe cold snap of the season so far, with trains and vehicles stranded due to difficulties caused by the winter storms.
Record cold temperatures were seen in parts of Japan, with snow falling on the Sea of Japan coast stretching from the country's north to west. Amid concerns of further snowfall, including in low-lying areas on the Pacific coast, Japan's weather agency is calling for vigilance against blizzards, rough seas and icy roads.
The weather has brought widespread disruption. Thousands of people using local train services in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures were forced to stay overnight in carriages or stations, while vehicles on major roads across the country were left stranded and hundreds of flights canceled.