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
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Snow-covered trees, nicknamed "snow monsters," are silhouetted by the sun at the summit of Mount Zao on January 19, 2019, near Yamagata, Japan. #
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Snow-covered trees are seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort on January 20, 2018, in Yamagata, Japan. #
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A snow-covered forest stands on Mount Zao. #
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A gondola climbs past snow monsters on Mount Zao. #
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A tourist walks in heavy wind and snow next to snow monsters on January 19, 2019. #
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Snow-covered trees are seen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort on January 20, 2018. #
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A snowy forest on Mount Zao. #
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Snow monsters stand in the fog on the summit of Mount Zao. #
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Colorful lights illuminate Mount Zao's trees at twilight. #
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A tourist takes a selfie next to snow monsters at the summit of Mount Zao on January 19, 2019. #
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A communication tower stands among snow-covered trees atop Mount Zao. #
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Hikers climb past Mount Zao's snow monsters. #
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A forest of snow monsters covers a slope on Mount Zao on January 19, 2019. #
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A visitor photographs a group of snow monsters. #
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Trees at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort are illuminated at night. #
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