Snow and cold weather were affecting much of Japan on Wednesday, disrupting highway, air and train travel, and more snow and cold temperatures were forecast. AP / Kyodo News ...

A resident shovels snow near a car in Kitami, a city in northern Japan, on Dec. 24. Heavy snow has been falling in the country's northern regions since last week. (Kyodo News/The Associated Press) ...

According to Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai), Tokaido Shinkansen trains are operating at a reduced speed between Mikawa-Anjo and Shin-Osaka, causing delays of more than 30 minutes.

Otherwise, why leave home? That’s winter in Japan, an amalgamation of wonderful little moments. Throw in some of the most incredible powder snow on the planet, and the fantasy is complete.

Snow measured in feet is blanketing parts of Japan this week, with snowfall rates among the highest on record. This is due, in part, to a phenomenon called sea-effect snow.

Snow has been forecast to continue into the weekend. The snow has also forced post offices to close as well as other services, delaying deliveries in Hokkaido and to destinations across Japan.