Although Siberia is known as one of the coldest regions on the planet, the city with the heaviest snowfall in the world is located in Japan. This refers to Aomori, in the north of the country, where an average of six to seven metres of snow falls each year, making winter a real challenge for residents. Situated at the northern tip of the island of Honshu, Aomori is the capital of the prefecture with the same name. During the winter months, snow covers the city for long periods, but what makes this place special is the way residents have managed to adapt their daily lives to these extreme weather conditions.
The reason for the extraordinary snowfall is mainly linked to its geographical position. Cold winds coming from Siberia pass over the Sea of Japan, where they pick up moisture, and then collide with the mountainous terrain around Aomori. During this process, the air cools and dense clouds form that bring heavy snowfall. This phenomenon is known as orographic snowfall and the lake-effect (sea-effect) snow. Experts emphasise that low temperatures alone are not enough to produce heavy snowfall. Sufficient moisture in the atmosphere and suitable conditions for cloud formation are also needed. Indeed, some of the coldest areas on Earth, including the polar regions, receive relatively little snow due to a lack of moisture.
How does the city cope with so much snow?
Coping with such large amounts of snowfall requires special organisation. Aomori has set up an extensive clearing system, with specialised equipment that clears around 200 kilometres of pavements. In extreme situations, the assistance of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is also required to intervene and remove the snow. Data for the 2020–2024 period show that Aomori recorded an annual average of 505.6 centimetres of snow, outpacing other Japanese cities known for their harsh winters. In the same period, Asahikawa recorded an average of 457.6 centimetres, while Sapporo recorded 420.2 centimetres. Thus, Aomori remains one of the most striking examples in the world of a city that has learned to live alongside extreme snowfall, turning it from a major obstacle into an inseparable part of everyday life.
