Every year, snowfall in the northeast of Japan around Aomori city is so heavy that smaller roads are abandoned until springtime.

One of these roads is the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line, a “snow corridor” that crosses Mount Hakkoda and connects two onsens, Japanese inns with hot springs.

The picturesque Route 103 finally reopened on March 28 to pedestrians who want to walk the 5-mile route, towered over by walls of snow up to 7m high in places.

Driving on road between Sukayu Onsen and Yachi Onsen will be permitted from April 1.

The Hakkoda Walk is a special three-day event that marks the beginning of spring in the area and is turned into a community celebration.