Heavy snow is continuing to hit areas of northern Japan. Snow accumulation reached 126 centimeters in Nishiwaga Town, the inland, mountainous area of Iwate Prefecture. That’s more than four times the usual snowfall at this time of year.

Snow also continues falling in Iwamizawa City, in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, which saw more than three times the usual snowfall.

Snow blanketed everything - some parked vehicles are almost invisible. Residents are busy clearing snow in front of their homes and shops.