The blizzard in Aomori is amazing! Experience the horror of Tsugaru snow on your trial tour! ?

Aomori's winters are among the harshest in Japan. Not only does it snow, but strong winds frequently ground blizzards whiteout ," which can be life-threatening.

To cope with Aomori's harsh winters, local people have long coexisted with nature through the use of cold weather gear, snow fences, and architectural ingenuity. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the characteristics of Aomori's ground blizzards, local ingenuity in cold weather protection measures, and even a ground blizzard experience tour

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What is a snowstorm? Whiteouts create a harsh winter in Aomori

Aomori Prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall, but are you aware of the dangers of ground blizzards? First, we will introduce the dangers of ground blizzards and the areas where they occur

Drifting snow is a natural phenomenon that occurs frequently in Aomori

A blizzard is a phenomenon in which strong winds blow up snow, blocking visibility. It can occur not only when new snow is falling, but also when existing snow is blown up by the wind, so you need to be careful even on days when it is not snowing

The greatest danger of a ground blizzard is that it blocks visibility, making it impossible to see what's ahead, leaving cars and pedestrians stranded. In areas surrounded by wide roads and fields with no buildings around, a ground blizzard can cause a sudden whiteout, making it difficult to see road signs and buildings. This is a very troublesome natural phenomenon, as it makes it difficult to know where the car in front of you is or where you are currently driving

In whiteout conditions, you have to drive with your car's lights on, not to improve your visibility ahead, but to let following vehicles know where your car is. In fact, if you drive with high beams during a ground blizzard, visibility will be even worse, so it's best to turn on your position lights

The horror of whiteout

A whiteout is a phenomenon where a ground blizzard or snowfall can cover the surrounding area in white, causing complete disorientation. Visibility can often be reduced to just a few meters or less, creating a particularly dangerous situation for inexperienced drivers and tourists

This phenomenon is likely to occur on wide snowy fields or roads with few obstructions, and can suddenly block visibility along with gusts of wind. Because whiteouts often leave vehicles and pedestrians stranded, people in Aomori are increasingly aware of the importance of taking measures against ground snowstorms

Frequent occurrence in the Tsugaru region and plains along the Sea of ​​Japan

In Aomori Prefecture, the Tsugaru region and the plains along the Sea of ​​Japan are known as areas prone to ground blizzards. Ground blizzards occur frequently, especially in areas with extensive fields where the wind can easily pass through. In the Tsugaru Plain, there are few things to block the snow, making it a path for the wind, and the occurrence of ground blizzards is high

Additionally, coastal and mountainous areas are prone to blizzards due to their topography. Traveling through these areas in winter requires great caution, and local residents frequently check the weather forecast as they go about their daily lives

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Cold and snow protection measures to survive Aomori's harsh winter

From here, we will introduce Aomori Prefecture's traditional winter clothing and snow protection measures

Traditional cold weather clothing "Kakumaki"

tsunomaki an essential cold weather garment for Aomori's harsh winters . Tsunomaki is a thick winter garment that has been used since the Edo period and is characterized by its design that completely covers the body from neck to feet. Made from highly insulating fabric, it is an excellent item that protects the body from strong winds and snow.

In recent years, there has been an increase in events where tourists can try on kakumaki as a tourist experience, allowing them to experience its functionality while also experiencing the local culture

Snow fences ensure road safety

Snow fences can be seen in many places along roads in Aomori. These fences are important pieces of equipment that block snow blown by strong winds and ensure visibility on the road. In the Tsugaru region, where ground blizzards are particularly frequent, snow fences are an essential part of supporting traffic in the winter. Snow fences are installed every autumn and removed in the spring, and the residents of Aomori Prefecture feel the arrival of winter and spring through the snow fences

The location and height of the fences are adjusted according to the local topography and wind direction, and efforts are made to prevent the roads from becoming completely covered in snow

Building innovation: "windbreak room"

Many buildings in Aomori have a space in front of the entrance called a " windbreak room ." Windbreak rooms are a device to prevent cold wind and snow from outside from directly entering the room, and are an essential piece of equipment, especially in areas where ground blizzards are common.

By making the entrance a double structure, it is possible to minimize the inflow of cold air and keep the inside of the building warm. Windbreaks are common in buildings in snowy regions, but they are actually also installed in Okinawa Prefecture, which is prone to typhoons. It's surprising that the same equipment is used in two completely opposite climates

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Experience the blizzards of Aomori!

To allow people from outside the prefecture to safely enjoy Aomori's blizzards, Goshogawara City is hosting a Blizzard Experience Tour you can experience the terror and beauty of a blizzard in the snowy fields around Ashino Park Station

Participants will don traditional tsunomaki (straps), monpe (work pants), and snowshoes, and learn about cold weather protection measures unique to snowy regions as they embark on the tour. Walking through strong winds and blizzards is a rare opportunity to experience the harshness of Aomori's winter. With the guidance of a local guide, participants can also learn about the wisdom of life in a snowy region and coexistence with nature, making the tour extremely popular with foreign visitors

This tour is held every year on weekends from late January to early February. Reservations must be made by 10:00 AM the day before, so be sure to make your reservation early once you've decided to travel to Aomori

Snowstorm Experience Tour <Information>

• Period: Saturdays and Sundays from late January to early February every year *Reservation required
• Price: Adults 3,000 yen, Children 500 yen
• Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Phone number: TEL 080-3195-4036 (Tsugaru Fubuki Association)
• Official URL: Goshogawara City Tourism Association – Blizzard Experience Tour

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summary

Winter in Aomori is characterized by harsh natural conditions such as ground blizzards and whiteouts. The local people live in harmony with nature through many ingenious methods, such as traditional cold weather gear called "tsunomaki" (covered with horns), snow fences, and windbreaks

On the blizzard experience tour in Goshogawara, you can safely experience the environment unique to snowy regions and learn about its terror and charm.When you visit Aomori, why not experience the true joy of winter in a snowy region while experiencing the wisdom and ingenuity of this region?

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