SNOW blanketed Tokyo today, as hours of flurries forced the cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights and caused the weather agency to issue a heavy snow warning – the first in four years.

Residents held umbrellas and pushed bicycles as large snowflakes began to settle, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) saying up to 10cm can fall over a 12-hour period.

The JMA issued a heavy snow alert for Tokyo for the first time since 2018, warning of potential disruption to traffic.

The snow caused the cancellation of 66 departing and 53 arriving domestic flights at the Japanese capital’s main airport Haneda, an airport official told AFP, but no international flights were cancelled.

JR East railway operator said on its website that some commuter trains were delayed due to heavy snow.

On Twitter, the weather agency warned residents that “caution for heavy snow is warranted” in central Tokyo.

“Heavy snow warnings are being issued… affected areas may be expanded. Please check the latest weather and traffic information.”

At Sensoji Temple, a popular tourist destination, some visitors dressed in traditional kimono and “geta” wooden sandals with split-toe socks walked past the red columns and golden bells as snowflakes fell.

The scene was more prosaic for commuters stuck navigating the rare weather event in the shopping and business district of Ginza.

“It is kind of unusual that it snows this much in Tokyo in January,” said worker Keiichi Masuda, 37, as he hurried home.

“I need to be careful not to slip as I walk.”

But others in the area were taking the time to soak up the unusual snowfall, including resident Shigeko Nagahama, 73, who was taking pictures of the iconic Kabukiza Theatre.

She stood alongside others enjoying the snow settling on the traditional architecture of the building that hosts kabuki performances.

“It is a beautiful sight. The snow lends a quaint aura to it, I think.” – AFP, January 6, 2022.