Winter conditions at the summit of Mount Zao, a volcano standing between Japan’s Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, can conjure up “creatures” of snow and ice, built up over tree trunks and branches. Windblown ice is covered by snow in repeated cycles, building hulking shapes on the mountain slopes. These famous Juhyo, or “snow monsters,” attract visitors to Mount Zao from the end of January through mid-March.
Juhyo: The Snow Monsters on Japan’s Mount Zao
- Alan Taylor
- January 22, 2020
- 15 Photos
- In Focus
-
Read moreSnow-covered trees, nicknamed "snow monsters," are silhouetted by the sun at the summit of Mount Zao on January 19, 2019, near Yamagata, Japan. #
Carl Court / Getty -
-
Read moreSnow-covered trees are seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort on January 20, 2018, in Yamagata, Japan. #
Matt Roberts / Getty -
Read moreA snow-covered forest stands on Mount Zao. #
KPG_Payless / Shutterstock -
Read moreA gondola climbs past snow monsters on Mount Zao. #
Ludi1572 / Shutterstock -
-
Read moreA tourist walks in heavy wind and snow next to snow monsters on January 19, 2019. #
Carl Court / Getty -
Read moreSnow-covered trees are seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort on January 20, 2018. #
Matt Roberts / Getty -
Read moreA snowy forest on Mount Zao. #
KPG_Payless / Shutterstock -
-
Read moreSnow monsters stand in the fog on the summit of Mount Zao. #
Brown PS / Shutterstock -
Read moreColorful lights illuminate Mount Zao's trees at twilight. #
DitsTin / Shutterstock -
Read moreA tourist takes a selfie next to snow monsters at the summit of Mount Zao on January 19, 2019. #
Carl Court / Getty -
-
Read moreA communication tower stands among snow-covered trees atop Mount Zao. #
Sitthinart Susevi / Shutterstock -
Read moreHikers climb past Mount Zao's snow monsters. #
Tanapong Bhukaswan / Shutterstock -
Read moreA forest of snow monsters covers a slope on Mount Zao on January 19, 2019. #
Carl Court / Getty -
-
Read moreA visitor photographs a group of snow monsters. #
Weniliou / Shutterstock -
Read moreTrees at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort are illuminated at night. #
Koichi Kamoshida / Getty
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to [email protected].