Pictured: Walls of snow seven metres tall dwarf visitors on Japanese mountain route
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 road, known as Route 103, finally reopened on Thursday to pedestrians who want to walk the 5 mile (8km) route, which is flanked by walls of snow up to 30ft (7m) high in places.
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.
Driving on road will be permitted from April 1.