Strange indeed! Japan’s Mount Zao Winter “Snow Monsters” Are Limited-Edition Wonders

Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Team of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network

Deep in the mountains lies a pure white, mysterious world devoid of life — as if time itself has frozen. It possesses a desolate beauty unique to extreme landscapes. People often conjure up wild and imaginative tales based on the appearances of such mysterious sights — for example, the Yeti of Mount Everest or the legendary Yuki-onna (snow woman) of Japanese folklore — all said to dwell within these silver-white realms. But whether they truly exist is something few can substantiate, leaving their presence to live on only in words and stories.

Located in Yamagata Prefecture, Mount Zao is famous not only for its hot springs but also for the terrifying snow monsters that cover its slopes. The Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of Japan’s six major ski resorts, offering visitors the chance to enjoy both skiing and hot springs. Around one million people visit here each year for skiing and fun.

Every winter, sea winds loaded with moisture blow in from the Sea of Japan. The moisture condenses on fir trees, and the cold weather turns the dew into ice. The ice encases entire trees, and the wildly shaped tree ice becomes a series of snow monsters standing halfway up the mountainsides of Zao. Under changing light, the silhouettes of these monsters create eerie and haunting scenes, making them a unique winter marvel of the region. Among them,Mount Zao Quasi-National Park, located on the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, is the most representative and popular spot in Northeastern Japan for viewing tree ice.