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Speaking of snow, Tohoku is the place to be! Aomori in particular experiences cold winters and snowfall that is different from other prefectures
Some people planning their first trip to Aomori may be wondering, "How cold is it in Aomori?"
This time, we will introduce the cold weather in Aomori and how to protect yourself from the cold
The coldness of Aomori's winters varies depending on the region
Aomori Prefecture is one of the few prefectures where you can enjoy different climates on both the Pacific and Sea of Japan sides. The coldness of winter also varies greatly depending on the region. We will introduce the differences in the coldness of each region
Shimokita region
The Shimokita region is the area around Mutsu city, located in the upper right corner of Aomori prefecture, and includes Oma town, famous for its tuna fishing
The maximum and minimum temperatures and snowfall in the Shimokita region in January are as follows:
This year's cold weather has not been included, so the temperature will be even lower and there will be a lot of snow. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Tokyo are 9.8℃ and 1.2℃, so you can see that it will be quite cold
Shimokita region (Mutsu city) January maximum and minimum temperatures and snowfall (average values from 1981 to 2010)
Maximum temperature:1.6℃
Average temperature:-1.4℃
Minimum temperature:-5.2℃
Average snowfall (precipitation): 103.1mm
Number of winter days, mid-winter days, etc. (*Collection period: August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020)
Number of days with a minimum temperature below 0°C (winter days): 108 days
Number of days with average temperature below 0°C: 40
Number of days with maximum temperature below 0°C (mid-winter days): 5 days
Observation point: Mutsu Special Regional Meteorological Observatory
Southern (38 Kamikita) region
The Nanbu region is also known as "Sanpachi Kamikita" and is located in the south of the prefecture, including the cities of Towada and Hachinohe
The amount of snowfall is less than in the Shimokita and Tsugaru regions, and there are more sunny days than snowy days
It may feel warmer than other areas, but the maximum and minimum temperatures are the same as in the Shimokita region, so if you let your guard down and take care not to protect yourself from the cold just because you're on the Pacific side, you could end up in trouble
January maximum and minimum temperatures and snowfall in the Sanpachi Kamikita region (Hachinohe City) (average values from 1981 to 2010)
Maximum temperature:2.6℃
Average temperature:-0.9℃
Minimum temperature:-4.2℃
Average snowfall (precipitation): 42.8mm
Number of winter days, mid-winter days, etc. (*Collection period: August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020)
Number of days with a minimum temperature below 0°C (winter days): 95 days
Number of days with average temperature below 0°C: 25
Number of days with maximum temperature below 0°C (mid-winter days): 4
Tsugaru is an area on the Sea of Japan coast that includes cities such as Aomori, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara. In winter, the cold, humid air brings many snowy days, with many areas experiencing snowfalls of over 100 cm. Sukayu, which you may hear about in the winter news, is also located in the Tsugaru region.
Incidentally, Aomori City is said to have the highest annual snowfall of any city with a population of over 100,000 in the world
Although it is not the coldest in the world, northwesterly seasonal winds blow from the Tsugaru Mountains on the Sea of Japan side, and southwesterly winds blow from Mount Hakkoda, creating updrafts over Aomori City, creating conditions for snowfall, so it is said that snow falls
Tsugaru region (Aomori city) January maximum and minimum temperatures and snowfall (average values from 1981 to 2010)
Maximum temperature:1.6℃
Average temperature:-1.2℃
Minimum temperature:-3.9℃
Average snowfall (precipitation): 144.9mm
Number of winter days, mid-winter days, etc. (*Collection period: August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020)
Number of days with a minimum temperature below 0°C (winter days): 85
Number of days with average temperature below 0°C: 25
Number of days with maximum temperature below 0°C (mid-winter days): 7 days
I hope this article has given you an idea of the temperatures and amount of snow in various parts of Aomori Prefecture. However, some people may be worried that they have never experienced the cold of Aomori and don't know how to protect themselves from the cold
Here are some points that I think are important when it comes to keeping warm in the cold
It's cold outside but very hot inside!
The snow can last all day and suddenly turn into a blizzard
The roads are well cleared of snow, but there are many places on the sidewalks where it is difficult to walk
I think this is the key point to keep in mind
It's cold outside but very hot inside!
First (1)people in cold regions like Hokkaido and Aomori . Therefore, if you try to protect yourself from the cold by wearing too many layers of clothing, you may end up sweating profusely because you can't regulate your temperature, and then when you go outside, your sweat may cool down and you may catch a cold. This is why it important to wear cold weather protection that's easy to put on and take off .
The snow can last all day and suddenly turn into a blizzard
Next , (2) is the amount of snow. There is a saying that "there is no rain that never stops," but in Aomori, snow can continue to fall all day. Sometimes the wind suddenly picks up and turns into a blizzard , it is very important to wear clothes with a hood
It can be quite stressful when snow hits your face...so when that happens, put on your hood and walk with your head down!
The roads are well cleared of snow, but there are many places on the sidewalks where it is difficult to walk
(3) Your feet. Because it snows so much, even if the snow is cleared in the morning, it often piles up again by lunchtime. Roads are frequently cleared of snow to prevent car accidents, but the same cannot be said for sidewalks. Even in central Aomori, there is a good chance you will have to push your way through snow. Therefore, you need to be well prepared for your feet.
Aomori Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen when I visited Aomori in December 2022. Depending on the time of day and the weather, it's common to walk on snowy roads like this.
[Cold Weather Protection] The Basics: Down Jackets
With a coat, you need to layer up to protect yourself from the cold, but with a down jacket, you can just put it on over light clothing and take it off! It's warm and easy to regulate your temperature even in common travel situations, such as getting in and out of a car or moving between indoors and outdoors.
I think a down jacket is an essential item because it's easy to put on and take off, has a hood, and is warm
[Warmth] Snow boots are recommended
Most people who don't live in snowy regions probably don't have snow boots, but they are a great item. First of all, they are easy to put on and take off, which corresponds to point (1) . Regular boots are fine, but there are a few situations where boots can be a hassle, such as when you go up to the tatami room at an izakaya or when you have to take off your shoes at an inn or hotel . In that sense, shoes that are easy to put on and take off are a big plus.
Furthermore, (3) , snow boots are easy to walk in unless the snow is too thick. Best of all, they are much lighter than regular boots , making them easier to walk in.
Some people may feel embarrassed because they're not used to wearing them, but there's no problem at all! When you arrive in Aomori, there's a high chance that everyone will be wearing them!
[Cold Weather Measures] If you are sensitive to the cold, consider wearing down pants
I don't think you need to go that far, but if you're someone who can't handle the cold, you might want to consider down pants. They're basically pants made from the same material as a down jacket .
If you do this much, I think you will be able to avoid the cold unless you are going to a very mountainous area It is also a good to wear thin down pants under your regular pants,
[Cold Weather Measures] Gloves, earmuffs, and knit hats are also quite important
Everyone will probably carry gloves, but it might also be a good idea to pack earmuffs and a knit cap. Protecting your ears and head from the cold makes a big difference when it's cold! Carrying a few hand warmers with you will also come in handy in an emergency
A winter tradition you can experience in Aomori
If you're traveling to Aomori in the winter, you'll want to enjoy the snow and cold. You won't have time to shiver in the cold. Here are three of Aomori's winter traditions
Blizzard
You may have heard of ground blizzards, but the chance to experience one yourself is rare, even in Tohoku and other regions
A blizzard is a phenomenon in which strong winds blow up snow, blocking visibility. Not only does a blizzard make it impossible to see in front of you, it also makes it difficult to stand and breathe, and the perceived temperature can drop by about -10°C below the ambient temperature
While most people would rather not experience a blizzard, Aomori offers a blizzard experience tour, so if you're interested, why not join and experience a blizzard for yourself?
Have you heard of the Stove Train? The Stove Train is a famous train on the Tsugaru Railway that runs through the Oku-Tsugaru region
The train runs from December to the end of March. Potbelly stoves are installed inside the train, and you can enjoy the view of the blizzard from the window. This is a train unique to Aomori that you can't experience anywhere else
The stove train operates on limited days, so if you'd like to ride it, please check the Tsugaru Railway website
Many areas with heavy snowfall set up snow lanterns, but the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, held at Hirosaki Castle, features the castle, snow lanterns, and the beautiful Tsugaru Nishikie Grand Corridor, which features nishiki-e prints of Neputa floats. The venue is Hirosaki Park
In 2023, the festival will be held from February 9th to 12th, with approximately 150 snow lanterns and 300 mini igloos set up throughout the park
The snow lanterns are lit up at night, so why not enjoy the fantastical atmosphere?
Aomori's local cuisine that you'll want to eat when it's cold
If you're traveling in the cold winter, be sure to try Aomori's warm local cuisine! Eat some warm food and soak in the hot springs. Be sure to warm your body and soul
Kenojiru (porridge soup)
To warm up your cold body, you'll want a warm soup. Kenojiru is a local dish that has been loved in the Tsugaru region
It is a soup made by finely chopping and simmering vegetables such as daikon radish, carrot, and burdock, wild vegetables such as butterbur and bracken, fried tofu, and frozen tofu, and seasoning it with miso, and is also known as "Tsugaru no Nanakusa-gayu."
It is said that people would make a lot of it in the winter and eat it by reheating it for several days
Keno soup is packed with ingredients and will warm your heart
Senbei soup
Senbei soup is a local dish found in Hachinohe, a southern region of Japan, and is made by boiling broken Nanbu senbei rice crackers in the soup. Other ingredients include chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, etc
The Nanbu senbei used in senbei soup are flavorless rice crackers. They have a different texture from mochi or fu, and once you try them, you'll be hooked
Summary: Stay warm and protected in Aomori in winter! Boots are the best
We provided detailed information about the cold winters in Aomori and how to protect yourself from the cold
Aomori Prefecture is the coldest city in the world among cities with a population of over 100,000. If you go a little further from Aomori City, there are areas where the snow depth exceeds 300cm, and you can enjoy many experiences that are different from your everyday life
Please come and experience this experience that can only be had in winter
However, if you are traveling to Aomori, please be sure to take precautions against the cold. Be sure to dress warmly and fully prepared before heading to Aomori
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