Over 100 people have found shelter at a mountain-top shrine in Japan following heavy snowfall that rendered roads impassable. Around 130 individuals spent the night at Mitsumine Shrine, located in Saitama prefecture, as local authorities closed the surrounding roads due to safety concerns. Participants included occupants of about 50 cars, and fortunately, no health issues were reported among those sheltering.
Japan is currently grappling with intense winter weather, with some areas forecasted to receive up to 40cm of snow. In the last 72 hours alone, snow levels in certain regions have reached up to 80cm, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings for continued snowfall as a cold front persists.
Local news reports indicate multiple accidents near the shrine, including vehicles sliding off the road, which contributed to the decision to close access routes. Conditions have been exacerbated by temperatures dropping as low as -15°C.
Mitsumine Shrine, recognized as a vital site for Shinto worship dedicated to the ancient deities Izanami and Izanagi, stands at an elevation of 1,110 meters (3,640 feet) near Chichibu City. This revered shrine is said to have been established in the 1st Century under the guidance of Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.
