Heavy Snowfall Forces Over 100 to Shelter Overnight at Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama
More than 100 people sheltered overnight at Mitsumine Shrine, located in the mountains near Chichibu, Saitama, due to surrounding roads being closed for safety reasons. About 130 visitors spent the night inside the shrine halls and lobbies, with occupants of around 50 cars staying inside the shrine building. No one fell ill during this time.
Local police, cited by NHK, reported several accidents including cars slipping on icy roads, which prompted the road closures. Japan is currently experiencing heavy snowfall, with up to 40 cm forecast in some areas on Saturday and as much as 80 cm having fallen in the past 72 hours in parts of the country. Additional snow is expected as a cold front persists, according to Japan Meteorological Agency data.
The region has seen up to 4 cm of snow with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C, creating challenging icy conditions. Mitsumine Shrine, situated approximately 1,110 meters above sea level near Chichibu, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to deities Izanami and Izanagi. It is reportedly founded in the 1st Century by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.
