Some sights are best seen from a bird's eye view.

So come along on a brilliant visual journey through the skies above Japan.

This time, we embark on a voyage across stunning winter landscapes, draped in delicate veils of snow.

Head out into this world of glistening silver

...On the Wings.

It's mid-February.

We've arrived at Osaka International Airport.

Also known as Itami Airport.

Contrary to the "international" in its name, it currently operates only domestic flights.

Serving 26 cities, over 350 flights pass through each day.

Our journey starts here, but before we depart, there's a spot we'd like to show you.

A breathtaking viewpoint south of the airport.

Airplane enthusiasts are gathered here.

Planes come in for landing on the runway, just above your head.

A good time to visit is at dusk, as the city lights just start to flicker.

Enchanting, isn't it?

Our destination is Aomori Prefecture, at the northernmost tip of Japan's main island.

A wintery world of white awaits.

Departure time is set for 9 AM sharp.

Looks like our aircraft has arrived.

We'll be flying on a 74-seater propeller plane. And how about this?

Passengers get to walk right on the tarmac to board.

Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft banks to the left.

We're now passing over Osaka, bound for Aomori.

Eight minutes post-takeoff.

To the left appears Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake.

Now, turn your attention to the right.

Beyond Ise Bay...

Incredibly, Mount Fuji comes into view.

Because this route flies alongside Mt. Fuji, on clear days,

there's a continuous 20-minute view of it.

The aircraft levels out to cruise at an altitude of about 23,000 feet, roughly half as high as a jet airliner.

This brings the ground scenery much closer.

Behold, the mountains adorned in their blankets of snow...

Towering 3,000-meter peaks...

These, are the Northern Alps.

Thirty minutes after liftoff, we're over Toyama Bay.

Nutrient-rich meltwater from the Alps is said to nurture delicious fish here.

Ten minutes past Sado Island...

Standing at 2,236 meters high, Mt. Chokai.

It has another name; Dewa Fuji.

Can you see why?

An hour and a half from departure...

To the left, the city of Aomori is blanketed in white.

The aircraft now makes a wide turn to the right.

We've arrived at Aomori Airport.

With its four operating airlines, Aomori Airport connects six major domestic cities like Tokyo and Sapporo,

and one international city, Seoul.

Here, annual snowfall exceeds 10 meters.

The airport before the day's first flight.

But they have a secret weapon. A team of snow removal professionals.

They're known as the White Impulse.

In command is deputy leader, Ebina Shinya.

They're responsible for an airport area of 550,000 square meters,

with a runway stretching 3,000 meters.

They have a limit of just 40 minutes to clear the snow.

First up, they head for the runway.

Across the 60-meter wide airstrip, six ploughs lead the way.

Notice how the trucks are staggered diagonally?

The key lies in their tandem formation!

They collect snow and seamlessly hand it off from one plow to the next,

like passing a baton, pushing it outside the runway.

Snow removal is completed in just one round trip.

A place called the apron is where planes park.

It's the most nerve-wracking.

There are planes and other vehicles,
so avoiding contact is challenging.

The stars of the show here are slightly smaller snowplows.

Two of them work together to collect the snow in one place.

And then, a third vehicle joins the scene.

It requires the skill that
only seasoned veterans have.

Sometimes, five plows work together to get the job done.

They managed to complete the work within the allotted time.

Aomori Airport first opened in 1964.

Due to severe snowfall, it used to close during winter.

In 1981, aiming for year-round operation, a snow removal team was formed by locals,

and their work has continued ever since.

Ebina has a different main job.

In the summer, I work in construction.

Among the White Impulse team
60% are farmers.

We also have fishermen and
people from other trades.

Aomori Airport stands resilient against heavy snowfall,

thanks to the unyielding efforts of White Impulse.

We serve as the gateway to the skies
of Aomori Prefecture.

Ensuring safety for all crew and
passengers even in winter is our priority.

Showing us around Aomori are...

Welcome to Aomori!

We'll take you to some top spots!

These two born and bred Aomori locals are coworkers and good friends.

Aomori is all about...
Nebuta, for sure.

Their first recommendation, a Nebuta museum.

The Nebuta Festival is held every year in August.

Everyone in Aomori absolutely loves it.
We think about it all year round!

You can get into the Nebuta spirit here anytime!

That beat gets your heart racing.

Next, the Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art.

Art's really heating up in Aomori.

It was a showcase of Aomori born artist Nara Yoshitomo.

About 200 of his artworks from a career spanning 40 years were on display.

Since its opening in 2006, the museum has attracted 4.5 million visitors.

The permanent exhibits feature pieces by Nara and other top Aomori artists.

Next up, city hall.

There's a market under the city hall.

Aomori's all about seafood!

We've got some amazing fish!

Sujiko, salted fish roe, is a local favorite.

We're big fans!

Nothing beats sujiko with warm rice.

Swing by when you're in Aomori!

We'll be waiting for you!

Catch you later!

Thanks for showing us around!

Please fly with us again, On the Wings.