This is the dramatic moment a motorist battled through heavy snowfall during a blizzard in Japan.

Footage from inside a moving car shows whiteout conditions and snow-covered roads in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on January 12.

The filmer said: 'I can't even see the Chuo Line signs anymore, it's scary.'

Snow lashed the windshield, with wipers struggling to keep the view clear as visibility dropped to just a few metres.

The severe weather struck as part of a winter storm system affecting Hokkaido and much of Japan from January 10 to January 13, driven by a strong cold air mass and winter pressure patterns.

Officials urged locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, take extra care on roads, and follow weather updates as crews worked to clear key roads.