Mar 13, 2015 - 1 min read

The Snow Monsters of Zao

Creepy or cute?

By Radica Sooknarine

Community writer

They all looked as if they were slowly heading somewhere.

Heading up to the summit in the cable car.

I love the white trees!

It's like being in a winter wonderland.

It was -6.5 and with the wind picking up, visibility wasn't the best. That effect though, made it almost surreal.

For a brief few seconds the sun had peeked through the clouds as if to tease us with a glimpse of what was hiding amidst the biting winds.

Each creature had its own personality.

The lights during the illumination were beautiful. They added yet another dimension to these awesome creatures.

Hmmm, a penny for your thoughts.

The cable cars that take you to and from the apex.

Monsters, monsters everywhere!

We were lucky to see the Jizo on the second visit. The week before, this entire area was blocked off and the statue was completely covered with snow.

This one looks like a huge bear!

There was so much snow that deep within my boot prints it looked blue.

The icicles looked like tears :(

He looks as if he's slowly climbing uphill.

Just think, those are trees! Trees with snow!

Somebody gave them facial features.

Snow boarders have a grand time.

Can you spot the bird?

The cable cars way over yonder.

The wind had picked up and the clouds started to roll in. It was an awesome feeling being above the clouds!

How's that for perspective? They do get very huge!

Heading back down after an excellent afternoon with the monsters.

While some people consider it Japan's weirdest snowscape, others find it a natural phenomena. In the winter season, Siberian winds from Russia descend upon Zao, creating the monstrous shapes. These "monsters" are actually Aomori fir trees that majestically dot the mountain. At an altitude of over 1600 meters with Siberian winds, it does get extremely cold as you can imagine. Braving the biting cold and venturing out to see the monsters though is totally worth it. Skiers and snow boarders will have an even more amazing time as they will be able to venture further out amidst these amazing creatures.

More info

Find out more about Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

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Radica Sooknarine

By Radica Sooknarine

Community writer

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Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström 5 years ago

Winter wonderland definitely describes it!

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

Fantastic!

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