A “blizzard sweep” of silver romance sweeps through Aomori – to experience it, you’ll need to brave the bone-chilling winds

When winter arrives in the northern prefecture of Aomori, its romantic snowy ambiance attracts many foreign visitors. (Photo / Aomori Tourism Information Website)

With just a few days left before 2017 comes to an end, countries in the mid-to-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere are also welcoming their fair share of snow. Among them, the Tohoku region of Japan becomes extremely cold in winter, drawing tourists to various snow-themed experiences. The “blizzard sweep” (ground blizzard) in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost part of Honshu, remains particularly popular. A ground blizzard refers to the phenomenon where strong winds lift snow from the ground, and it can only occur in areas cold enough to form significant snow cover. In winter, snowfall in Aomori can easily accumulate up to 50 cm, making it one of the most well-known places in Japan to experience a ground blizzard.

According to the Asahi Shimbun, seven locations within Aomori Prefecture have plans to host ground blizzard experience events this winter. Tsugaru Fubuki Kai representative Tsunoda Shu, who has been organizing this event for 31 years, said energetically: “We hope to increase the number of participants to 4,000 to 5,000 people by 2020, when the Tokyo Olympics will be held.”

In recent years, overseas tourists have made up 70% of participants, with reservations this winter including visitors from Taiwan. Local hotels have also launched packages that combine accommodation with ground blizzard experiences, allowing guests to wear traditional cold-weather clothing and snow boots to feel the rush of wind and snow firsthand in the icy landscape – a truly northern experience. And after braving the biting cold, enjoying a steaming bowl of walleye pollock soup is an experience we in Taiwan rarely get to have.