How people live in the snowiest city in the world

Aomori is a city in Japan that, according to AccuWeather, is considered the snowiest village on the planet.

Aomori City is located on the shores of the country's northern prefecture, between the mountains of Hakkod and Mutsu Bay, which means that tons of snow fall here in winter. The winter months in this place are a difficult period in every way. It is accompanied by delays or even the absence of any vehicles, and the roads are often blocked by abandoned cars.

Nevertheless, the life of the city continues, and its population finds the strength and ability to sincerely enjoy the snowfall. There are a number of festivals dedicated to the coldest season of the year. Every now and then there are sights from the snow. So, let's take a closer look at what life is like in Aomori.

The Edo period in Japan was marked by the construction of a large port city, which in 1624 was called Aomori. Today, the city's population is 279,000. Every year a heavy snowfall falls on this settlement.

This map shows the location of Aomori. Due to its location right on the seashore, snowfalls are especially violent here. The Hakkoda Mountains and Mutsu Bay near the city play into such a climate.

Due to the stable negative temperatures from December to February, precipitation here falls exclusively in the form of snow. The collision of winds coming from the mountain systems and the sea forms many clouds.

The average annual snow cover in Aomori reaches 8 meters. This is almost half as much as in the second snowiest city - Sapporo, which is also located in Japan.

During a trip around Aomori, it may seem like you are traveling between glaciers.

Part of the Japanese motorway closes every winter due to the inability to move on it. To ensure that in April it was not possible to drive again, a huge number of people and units of snow-removing equipment work for almost a month, removing snow that has attacked all winter. Snow walls form on both sides of the road this month, forming an epic snow corridor. The tunnel turns out to be so spectacular that tourists even come here to enjoy it.

Residents can dig out city streets and roads from under snow blockages or use the services of special services. But in reality, keeping up with the speed of snowfall is almost impossible. People are forced to clean without stopping. However, many Japanese are very optimistic and see in such a difficult occupation an excellent opportunity to play sports.

In addition, some sidewalks here are equipped with special heating equipment that prevents them from freezing.

Even with all these conditions, many Aomori streets remain under snow blockages throughout the winter. Snow storms are so powerful that people have to throw their cars halfway.

Aomori, of course, cannot boast of such a large public transport system as Tokyo. The prefecture can be traveled by train, which starts in the city of Aomori. You can see the snowy countryside while traveling on an old train, also running through the prefecture. To keep warm in it, you can take a seat right in front of the stove. She has to be constantly braked so that she continues to burn.

Keeping roads in a clean state is a constant routine of whole companies as well as individual volunteers. High-speed trains run here thanks to a special sprinkler system that uses warm water.

One of the railway companies said that its employees are not allowed to enter the high-speed traffic zone, but they help to clear the trains of snow when they arrive at the station. Although here there is a likelihood of being covered with snow.

A special snow removal team is also working at the nearby airport. A group of people called "White Impulse" with the help of 38 units of snow removal equipment copes with its super important task in 40 minutes.

However, Aomori is known not only for snowfalls. They produce an excellent, warming drink sake, produce unique seafood ...

... and this region is considered the "apple" capital of Japan. Of course, only when the snow melts. Toki is a hybrid fruit variety grown in this prefecture.

In addition, in Aomori are the most popular ski resorts.

And if you are lucky enough not to get stuck in the snow, you can get to the restaurant and try the most sensational local dish - dancing cuttlefish. The dish is not for the faint of heart.

In 2013, the first fish auction was held in Tsukiji. Bluefin tuna was then sold for a record amount of $ 1.8 million. A huge fish weighing 220 kg came from Oma, which is a two-hour drive from Aomori. They say the tuna here is the best in the world. Aomori residents can enjoy the incredibly expensive bluefin tuna at the annual Om Tuna Festival, which takes place in October.

Fishing has always been one of the most important industries in the prefecture.

Although agriculture here is also quite developed. Aomori honors and develops the art of growing rice. Farmers even create amazing images in rice fields. This particular kind of art can be enjoyed on special tours that run from June to October.

Winter festivals are incredibly impressive and beautiful. And despite the fact that the winter in the city and its environs is very harsh, it is thanks to these conditions that you can make especially stunning pictures.

Many trees grow along the mountains of Hakkod, which in winter turn into real silver sculptures, covered with layers of ice and snow. They are also called "snow monsters" and are considered one of the most memorable tourist attractions.