If you dream of visiting a snowy winter wonderland, you might think of places like Norway, Canada, or Finland.
But the snowiest country in the world is actually much farther from the UK — and it’s definitely worth the trip.
Japan gets more snow than any other country. In some areas, the snow falls so much and so often that it can cover whole houses. Snow stays on the ground for months.
Just recently, the city of Obihiro in Japan got 120 cm of snow in only 12 hours — that’s a lot! While even a little snow can cause big problems in the UK, Japan is well-prepared for it.
They use smart ideas like heated pavements and warm water systems on train tracks to stop snow from piling up, so daily life can keep going even in the middle of winter.
Homes in Japan also need strong, reinforced roofs to hold the heavy weight of all that snow. People often have special tools and machines to help them clear snow from around their homes. The government also teaches people how to stay safe and deal with heavy snowfall properly.
Even with all these preparations, snow can still cause problems. Flights and road traffic often face delays. To help manage this, Japanese weather experts have created advanced systems to predict snowstorms and respond quickly with emergency plans.
Snow isn’t just a challenge, though — it also brings big benefits. Winter tourism is a huge part of Japan’s economy. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Japan to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and the beautiful snowy landscapes.
Here are some of the snowiest places in Japan if you’re planning a visit.
Aomori – the snowiest city in the world
Aomori, a city in northern Japan on the main island of Honshu, is the snowiest city in the world. Every year, it gets about 312 inches of snow—that’s around 8 meters or 26 feet—mostly between November and April. During the coldest months, the snow piles up so high that the sides of roads can be several meters tall.
Experts say the heavy snow is due to Aomori’s location between Mutsu Bay and the Hakkoda Mountains. Cold air from the mountains mixes with moisture from the sea, creating the perfect conditions for strong snowstorms.
Even with all the snow, Aomori is known for more than just winter. Being close to the coast, the city is famous for its fresh seafood and delicious sushi. It also produces top-quality sake and, in the summer, is known for its tasty apples.
Every summer, Aomori hosts the beautiful Nebuta Festival, where huge glowing floats light up the streets in a lively parade.
The nearby Hakkoda Mountains offer stunning views and are famous for their “snow monsters”—trees covered with thick layers of snow and ice that look like frozen creatures.
If you visit the city, the Aomori Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE is a must-see, giving you a closer look at the art and history behind the city’s famous festival.
Sapporo
If eight meters of snow feels like too much, you might prefer Sapporo, located on Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido. Sapporo gets about five meters (191 inches) of snow each year—still a lot, but less than Aomori.
Sapporo is best known for its amazing Snow Festival in February. During this time, the city is filled with giant ice and snow sculptures—some as tall as 15 meters (50 feet). At night, these sculptures are beautifully lit, drawing over two million visitors from around the world and creating the perfect photo opportunity for social media.
The city made history in 1972 as the first Asian city to host the Winter Olympics, and today it’s a top spot for skiing and snowboarding. Nearby, the world-famous Niseko Ski Resort offers fantastic slopes and incredible views.
Even though it snows a lot in winter, Sapporo also enjoys warm summers, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C—great for those who prefer sunshine.
If the name Sapporo sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s also the name of Japan’s oldest beer brand, which is sold around the world. The Sapporo Beer Museum is a popular attraction where visitors can learn about the city’s brewing history.
The city’s snowy weather is mainly due to icy winds blowing down from eastern Siberia.
Toyama
Toyama is the capital of Toyama Prefecture, located in central Honshu, along the Sea of Japan.
Even though the city has a humid subtropical climate, it still gets about 143 inches of snow each year. Most of this snow falls between December and March, with January being the snowiest month.
Toyama is known as Japan’s center for medicine and pharmaceuticals, but it’s also popular with people heading to the Japanese Alps for skiing and snowboarding. One of the most famous spots nearby is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This scenic route takes visitors through the beautiful Mount Tate (Tateyama) area. While it’s closed in the winter months, snow walls up to several meters high remain visible even into the summer.
The city itself has a lot to enjoy too, including art galleries, museums, and historic sites.