Niseko arrivals and departures have been thrown into chaos with major snow storms and blizzards closing New Chitose Airport (CTS) today.
268 flights were cancelled, turning the airport into a makeshift shelter for thousands of stranded passengers.
The South China Morning Post reports a flight from Hong Kong to CTS was turned back midway, and others had been delayed until Saturday.
Transfers between the airport and Niseko in both directions have been severely stressed. It’s almost impossible to get a last minute transfer booking at the moment.
Flights are expected to be back up and running tomorrow although it might be a bit chaotic for a few days – expect delays at the airport and difficulties getting transfers, buses and taxis.
For those who do make it in time, it will most certainly be a white Christmas, with a chance of light snowfalls on Christmas day.