On the slopes of Mount Zao, in central Japan, cold, wet winds form a natural wonder. Every winter, thousands of tourists from all over Japan gather to watch the snow monsters. Tiny drops of water, carried by strong winds, freeze on the pine trees and branches of conifers, forming icicles.
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| Mount Zao Snow Monsters |
Icicles grow almost horizontally. The falling snow settles, creating tall, grotesque white figures that the Japanese call "snow monsters" or juhyo.
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| Mount Zao Snow Monsters |
For the formation of snow monsters on evergreen conifers, a special combination is needed: strong winds, low temperatures and snowfall. Juhyo form in several places in Japan, but Mount Zaō is the most accessible site to observe snow monsters. Mount Zao is a ski resort, has cable cars, the best views of yuhyo, and is also a hot spring destination. The juhyo season starts at the end of December and lasts until the end of February.
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| Mount Zao Snow Monsters |
A juhyo-like phenomenon occurs in Finland in the Riisitunturi National Park. The Finns call the snow monsters "pumpkin".