Winter "snow monsters" appear in Japan — covering entire mountains in surreal spectacle

Reported by Reporter You T-Ru / Taipei

What?! Giant snow monsters have emerged in Japan? In Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan, a strange phenomenon has recently appeared — entire mountains are covered with "snow monsters." Massive, oddly shaped blocks of snow pile up beneath the white snow, looking truly terrifying. But visitors to the area can't help but marvel at the naturally formed, stunning shapes of these "snow monsters." Wait, what exactly are these "snow monsters"?


▲ When illuminated at night, the "snow monsters" become even more eerie and dazzling. (Photo / from the Facebook page of iYamagata)

The "snow monsters" that appear in the Zao Ice Monster Park in Yamagata Prefecture are actually a natural winter wonder known as "juhyo" (tree ice or ice-covered trees), which only occurs between January and March each year. When temperatures drop below freezing, along with strong, directionally consistent winds and persistent cold, thick layers of ice and snow accumulate on the area’s many coniferous trees. These uniquely shaped "juhyo" formations are affectionately nicknamed "snow monsters."

Revered as a "national treasure" by the Japanese, Zao's ice monsters can be seen every year from January to mid-March at the Zao Onsen Ice Monster Festival. As you take the gondola up the mountain from the foothills of Mount Zao, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking sight of this vast field of icy monsters. However, do note that temperatures in Japan’s northeast region during winter are extremely low, so visitors should dress warmly to avoid being frozen by the bitter wind and accidentally turning into a "human ice sculpture."