You might expect the snowiest city in the world to be in places like Norway, Alaska, Canada, or Finland.

But turns out the world’s snowiest city with a population of over 100,000 is actually located in Japan. 

Aomori, the capital of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, is a true winter wonderland.

The city with a population of over 260,000, receives up to 26 feet of snow every year, most of which falls between November and April.

During the coldest months, snow piles up so high along the roads that it reaches several meters.

This heavy snowfall is caused by Aomori’s unique location between the Hakkōda Mountains and Mutsu Bay, where colliding winds create clouds that lead to snow rather than rain.

Record snowfall last month even caused significant damage to apple orchards in Aomori, which is also Japan’s largest apple-producing region accounting for about 60% of the country’s apples.

Authorities estimate losses could reportedly exceed about £51,6 million and some trees that are over 60 years old, have had their trunks snapped.

Not only is Aomori the snowiest such city in the world, but the area is also known for its fresh seafood, especially at the Furukawa central market where vendors sell various types in bulk or by the piece.

The local specialty is nokke don, a rice bowl topped with choices like raw tuna, octopus, or sea urchin. 

Hakkoda Ski Resort is a popular ski destination in the Hakkoda Mountains, famous for its backcountry terrain and deep powder snow, offering vast, ungroomed slopes for a true “choose-your-own-adventure” experience.

The city is also known for the Nebuta Matsuri summer festival held every year in August featuring spectacular parades of huge and beautifully designed lantern floats with taiko drumming, music and dancing.