Aoyama

Aoyama [碧山; あおやま] is a city located in southern coastal Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 270,000, making it the second-largest municipality in the prefecture after the capital Anzaki.
The area of present-day Aoyama was part of the Hasetsu Province and governed by the Hasetsu clan. It was initially established as a rice-farming town; the southern steppes also became a setting for horse breeding. For much of its history Aoyama was known as the 'sister town' of Anzaki and was the secondary seat of the Hasetsu. Due to its position in a steep valley beneath the Aramidatsu Mountains and the Asashimizu River, the area was once known for frequent flooding. This eventually resulted in the construction of the Aoyama Dam in 1890, which diverted the Asashimizu and made its flow more conducive to rice farming.
Aoyama is known for its incredibly thick snowfall during the winter, receiving up to five times more than any other city in the prefecture. Due to Mount Megamiyama's location in the far southern corner of the city limits, Aoyama experiences a lot of traffic from visitors looking to ski on the snowy slopes.
== Local attractions ==
* Yamiba Castle ruins
* Furugata Rice Market
* Yamasawa Park
* Aoyamashi Lights Festival - held at New Year
* Mount Megamiyama
* Aoyama Temple & Monastery
* Ameya Falls