Snow covers an avenue leading to the former Hokkaido government headquarters, a popular tourist destination in central Sapporo, on Nov. 6.
© Hiroyuki YamamotoSnow covers an avenue leading to the former Hokkaido government headquarters, a popular tourist destination in central Sapporo, on Nov. 6.
Central Sapporo was covered in 23 centimeters of snow at 11 a.m. on Nov. 6, the first time in 21 years a snowfall exceeding 20 cm has been recorded in the city in early November.

A low pressure system passed over Hokkaido on Nov. 6, leading to the snowfalls in many parts of Japan's northernmost main island, according to the Sapporo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Before sunrise on that day, sweeper vehicles equipped with "sasara" bamboo brooms were dispatched to clear the snow from the municipal tram network. It was the first use of the special snowsweepers this season, and it came 18 days earlier than in the previous year.


An earlier-than-usual snowfall covers Sapporo, including leaves in autumn hues still on branches, on Nov. 6.
© Hiroyuki YamamotoAn earlier-than-usual snowfall covers Sapporo, including leaves in autumn hues still on branches, on Nov. 6.