Winter-exclusive "Snow Monsters" Tour – So Beautiful You’ll Want to See It Even If You Get Buried

▲ The unique Snow Monster landscape of Mount Hakkoda in winter.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You t
ru / Aomori

In Japan’s northeastern region, Aomori’s Mount Hakkoda, Yamagata’s Zaō region, and Akita’s Morioka Mountains, due to the light snow quality in winter, the rare "Snow Monster" phenomenon appears between January and March every year. White snow covers massive objects, and if people get too close, they could be buried alive in the snow. Normally, visitors can only view them from afar, but in the Mount Hakkoda area, a close-up “Monster Hunting” tour has been created for the Snow Monsters—even those who can’t ski can easily come face-to-face with them.


▲ The formation of “Snow Monsters” is actually not easy.

Speaking of how “Snow Monsters” form, it’s really not easy; first, the temperature must drop below zero, along with heavy snowfall, consistent strong winds from a fixed direction, and sustained low temperatures, causing ice and snow on numerous coniferous trees to continuously accumulate and attach in thick layers, forming “tree ice.” These tree ices, each with their own unique shapes, look especially wild and bizarre in the snowy landscape, hence they are also nicknamed “Snow Monsters.”

Mount Hakkoda, a volcanic mountain range south of Aomori City, has a highest peak at 1,585 meters above sea level. Visiting Mount Hakkoda in winter, just driving along the road leading up to the mountains is already breathtaking. The roads carved through heavy snowfall are flanked by snow walls about 2 to 3 meters high, which are spectacular. As the car weaves through the coniferous forests, if you’re lucky enough to see sunlight filtering through the branches, the sparkling brightness of the snow-tipped treetops makes it feel as if you’ve entered a dreamlike realm.


▲ Roads carved through heavy snowfall are flanked by snow walls about 2 to 3 meters high, which are spectacular.

Upon arriving at the foot of Mount Hakkoda, you must take a cable car to go up the mountain and view the full panorama of the tree ice. As the altitude increases, the ice layers on the branches also grow thicker, and the “Snow Monsters” gradually begin to appear. Looking down from the cable car, the snow-covered mountains are dotted with oddly shaped large white objects, and even from afar, the sight is awe-inspiring.






▲ As the altitude increases, the ice layers on the branches also grow thicker, and the “Snow Monsters” gradually begin to appear.

When the cable car reaches the highest point, most people are already geared up with skiing equipment. As soon as the cable car door opens, they smoothly slide into the midst of the Snow Monsters. For travelers who aren’t very skilled at skiing, a special “Snow Monster Tour” then begins—just put on snowshoes, wear sunglasses, and you can start wandering among the Snow Monsters, appreciating these beautiful giants up close.


▲ Taking the cable car to the top and looking down from the mountain.


▲ The cable car is already covered with thick snow.

The day I stepped onto Mount Hakkoda happened to be an unusually clear, cloudless day. With every step I took, fine snow fell from the branches and leaves. Through the sunlight, you could see into the snow-covered interior where the pine needles remained dark green. Pine trees, one of the rare local tree species, appear shorter due to the snow cover. Stepping on the snow, you can easily touch the leaves and the iced parts. The outer layer is soft fresh snow, while the inner layer is hard and difficult to break through.

“Please stay away from any tree ice that isn’t being guided by staff, for safety reasons.” When you try to approach one of them, the local guide will definitely warn you, because most tree ices are surrounded by large areas of untouched fresh snow, which is extremely soft. If you accidentally fall into deep snow, you could drop the height of “half a pine tree,” and with snow falling from the trees, it’s very dangerous. Only a small number of tree ices that allow close contact have been pre-trodden by local staff after snowfall to make them safe for people to stop by.


▲ Most people come to Mount Hakkoda to experience the fun of skiing through the tree ices.


▲ Put on specially made snowshoes, and you’re ready to set off on the Snow Monster Tour.


▲ Staying behind the guide ensures you won’t step on untouched snow and risk danger.


▲ Most tree ices are surrounded by large areas of untouched fresh snow, which is extremely soft.


▲ Tree ices that look as if they’re facing the mountaintop like humans.


▲ Tree ices that look like koalas.


▲ Shapes with twisted and unbelievable appearances also frequently appear.


▲ %Each one looks incredibly lifelike, showcasing nature’s amazing artistry.


These uniquely shaped tree ices look quite “friendly” up close, having formed interesting shapes as snow accumulated on the branches. Sometimes they resemble koalas, others form shapes like elephants or kangaroos, making you want to get closer and even reach out to touch them. On sunny days, the tree ices reflected on the snowy ground sometimes look like real people with their arms open, enjoying the bright sunshine.


▲ Hold hands with a Snow Monster and go on a snowy adventure on a sunny day.