Pop Japan

Featured in the photo are the famous "snow monsters" of the Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort. Located on top of the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, the place boasts of its "ice trees." Depending on the amount of snowfall and on the speed of the winter winds, these trees or monsters can take various forms which can be very different each time a traveler visits the place. These monsters can be found near the peak of the ski resort, so going here is not really an easy job. To get here, one must use the ropeway or the gondola. At night, these monsters are lighted to give a different effect.

Photo by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (JAPAN). Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

Tags: travel, snow monsters, zao hot springs ski resort, yamagata prefectur, ice trees, snow fall, ropeway, gondola