Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference that one person had died as a result of the storm and that two other deaths were under investigation. No further details were immediately available.
Media reported that domestic airlines, including ANA and Japan Airlines, canceled more than 300 flights, while bullet train services were suspended or delayed.
Public broadcaster NHK said that on a highway in central Japan, cars and trucks were unable to drive in snow for a distance of about 10 km (6 miles).
Nearly 3,000 people were stranded at two train stations in the western city of Kyoto after snow and high winds suspended service on Tuesday, with some commuters forced to sleep on the floor at Kyoto’s main station.
NHK said at least 15 trains were stuck between some other stations, in some cases from the late hours of Tuesday to the early hours of Wednesday, with some having to climb through snow to reach a station where shelter was being provided. The arrangement was done.
