While the northern Japanese region of Tohoku is home to various wildlife, such as the Japanese marque, the Japanese serow, and the Japanese macaque, the Zao Snow Monsters are not nearly as frightening as these other beasts. In fact, the Zao Snow Monsters are not real monsters but are actually the spectacular ice-covered trees up in the Zao Mountains in northern Tohoku.

These frozen giants, resembling mythical creatures, stand proudly against the winter landscape, captivating all who witness their enchanting presence. Far from being fearsome, these "monsters" are a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, inviting visitors to delve into the magical ambiance of Zao's snowy realm.

“Rime” is the scientific name used to describe the natural phenomenon that we refer to as Snow Monsters, and it is only found in areas that meet very specific geographic and climate conditions, making it a natural rarity.

The process by which rime is formed is called “deposition” and occurs when water vapor transitions directly into ice without passing through the liquid phase. In areas like Zao, when the air is humid, and temperatures are below freezing, tiny water droplets in the air can remain in a liquid state despite being below the freezing point. This is known as supercooling and when these water droplets come into contact with a cold surface, such as the branches of a coniferous tree, they freeze instantly upon impact, creating the perfect layering ground for ice to build up.

Once the initial ice crystals form, more supercooled water droplets freeze onto the crystal, causing it to grow in size, giving the snow monsters that looming ghastly effect. As this process continues, the ice crystals interlock, forming a delicate and feathery structure. Up on the high peaks of Zao, the raging wind further accentuates the wispy buildup into draping straggly layers of snowy “fur,” leading to the birth of the monsters that rule these mountains.

Contrary to what you’ll hear and see around, there is no one “Mount Zao” but instead, “Zao” refers to the Zao Mountains located between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures. To get even more technical, the Zao Mountains are a cluster of stratovolcanoes that span multiple peaks, including several lava domes and even a tuft cone.

Zao is divided into both Yamagata and Miyagi Zao, and snow monsters can be seen on both sides. However, as a general rule of thumb, the further you go up Zao, the more prominent the monsters will be as especially during years with low snowfall, there won’t be many snow monsters at lower altitudes.

The viewing season for the Zao Snow Monsters is relatively short, starting to form around early January and then reaching full size around the end of February. Under the right conditions, they can last through the end of March, however, as they depend heavily on the weather conditions, the season can shift year-to-year.

To maximize your chance of seeing large, pronounced snow monsters, aim to go on a day with little wind, as white-out conditions make it difficult to see anything at the top, much less the snow monsters. It may also be easier to see the snow monsters in the morning, as when things heat up around noon, some of the snow monsters tend to sag a little bit.

While the Zao Snow Monsters can be seen at both Miyagi and Yamagata Zao, visiting Zao Onsen in Yamagata provides the best option for seeing the monsters in all their might and has the best public transit options.

The easiest way to get to Zao Onsen from Tokyo is to take the 2 hour and 45 minute Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (11,250 yen) and then take the Z90・C2 bus (1,000 yen) to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (蔵王温泉BT行) which will take roughly another hour. The bus comes roughly every hour, and the last departure is 6:55 PM, so make sure you plan accordingly.

From Zao Onsen, take the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line from Zao Sanroku Station to Juhyo Kogen Station. Finally, switch to the Sancho Line and get off at Jizo Sancho Station. The ride to the top takes roughly 20 minutes and teases an unforgettable journey over the mountain winterscape, and as you reach the top, the snow monsters even become visible.

Zao Sanroku Station → Juhyo Kogen Station → Jizo Sancho Station
・Adults: 2,000 yen (one-way); 3,800 yen (round trip)
・Children: 1,000 yen (one-way); 1,900 yen (round trip)
・Business Hours Winter（11 Dec. – 31 Mar.):
・Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line: 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM
・Zao Ropeway Sancho Line: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(*Times and opening is subjective to sudden changes due to weather conditions)

While many visitors riding these lifts are just going up with the explicit purpose of seeing and taking pictures of the Zao Snow Monsters up at the top, their main purpose is actually to shuttle skiers and snowboarders up to the top of the Zao to shred their way down Zao’s longest piste. Although skiers and snowboarders have to take it a bit slow in the main Snow Monster area to avoid picture-takers, zooming down through the alpine routes is truly exhilarating, and Zao Onsen Ski Resort has some of the finest JAPOW in all of Japan.

For those who still want to see the snow monsters up close but don’t ski or snowboard, snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderlands of Zao. However, due to the rough and unfamiliar terrain, it is highly recommended to book a guide to lead you into the depths of the mountain for a journey you will never forget.

Lastly, if you are someone who likes to stay cozy but still wants to see the snow monsters, try taking a tour of Zao on the Miyagi side in a snowcat. The caterpillar vehicles at Sumikawa Snow Park can carry 20-30 passengers, are heated, and will carry you up to the ice monster field over the course of about 50 minutes. Step out, take some pictures, throw a snowball, and get back in. It’s great for anyone of any age or athletic ability, and so it's highly recommended for traveling families or senior travelers.

Pro Tips:
Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, windproof clothing. Layering is key, along with insulated boots, gloves, and a hat, to comfortably enjoy the cold, snowy environment. At night, the mountain can also get windy, and the gondola is unheated.
Expect to Wait: The snow monsters are very popular, especially in the evening. Anticipate crowds, visit the bathroom well ahead of time, and look to queue up before the opening hours to avoid huge lines.
Photography Tips: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the unique shapes of the snow monsters. Early morning or late afternoon light offers the best natural lighting for photography.
Night Illuminations: Don't miss the night-time illuminations of the snow monsters, offered on select dates, for a magical and different perspective.
Accommodation: Consider staying overnight in Zao Onsen town to fully experience the region and enjoy the local hot springs after a day in the snow.

The Zao Snow Monsters are not merely a destination; they are an invitation to witness the extraordinary, to embrace the wonder of the natural world, and to embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of the everyday. It is an experience that lingers in the soul, inviting all who venture there to answer the call to adventure with your own expedition into a world like no other.

Written by: Alexander Litz