Yamagata’s “Ice Monsters” (Juhyo) – Zao Mountains

In the snowy wilds of Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, where winter wraps the land in an icy hush, something eerie stirs in the Zao Mountains. As the temperature drops and the storms rage, the trees on these slopes begin to transform—until they no longer look like trees at all.

What rises in their place are towering, twisted, frost-encrusted forms that resemble creatures from a frozen dreamscape. Locals call them Juhyo, or “Ice Monsters.” But don’t worry—they don’t bite. They just silently watch.

The Making of a Monster

The Juhyo phenomenon is a rare meteorological event, requiring a perfect blend of cold Siberian winds, heavy snowfall, and Japan’s uniquely shaped Aomori fir trees. As cold air rushes across the Sea of Japan, it picks up moisture. When it collides with the Zao peaks, it creates supercooled droplets that instantly freeze upon touching anything—especially trees.

Layer by layer, these droplets build up over the season, creating surreal, bulbous shapes. Some Juhyo look like hunched creatures lumbering through snow. Others resemble ghostly sentinels, arms stretched to the sky. In the right light, the whole forest feels like it’s mid-transformation—half alive, half cursed.

When to Meet the Ice Beasts

The Juhyo are a seasonal species, emerging from late January and lasting until early March. Their peak form usually appears in **February**, when the cold is at its harshest. You can find them at elevations of 1,400 meters and above, especially near the Zao Onsen ski resort.

The best way to experience the monsters up close? Take the Zao Ropeway to the summit station at Jizo Sancho. From there, a winter wonderland unfolds: a white field of icy beasts stretching toward the horizon.

Nighttime at the Monster Forest

As if they weren’t surreal enough during the day, the Juhyo become downright magical at night. From late January through February, Zao hosts the Juhyo Illumination Festival. Floodlights in shifting colors bathe the forest in eerie glows—green, blue, red—transforming it into a frozen dance of light and shadow.

It’s not hard to imagine the creatures coming to life, slowly shifting as you blink. With every gust of wind, the silence deepens, and the forest seems to breathe.

Legends, Lore, and Laughter

While Juhyo are a natural wonder, they’ve also become the stuff of local legend. Children are told stories of mountain spirits that freeze in place each winter, watching over skiers and lost hikers. Some tales even suggest that the “monsters” are frozen gods, protecting the sacred peaks.

Of course, the locals also have a sense of humor. Some snow sculptures are intentionally made to resemble animals, cartoon characters, or even politicians—because why not add a little absurdity to the magic?

Hot Springs and Cold Giants

After a day among the frost-beasts, nothing beats a soak in a hot spring. Fortunately, Zao Onsen sits right at the foot of the mountains and is one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan. Its sulfuric waters are said to heal body aches—and maybe even warm the toes frozen in monster encounters.

Stay in a traditional ryokan, sip hot sake, and look out your window. You might see the monsters glowing on the mountain slope—still, silent, and oddly beautiful.

Visiting Tips

• Best time to visit: Mid-January to late February for peak Juhyo and illumination events
• Getting there: Take a train to Yamagata Station, then a bus to Zao Onsen
• What to bring: Snow boots, camera with night mode, and plenty of layers!
• Local treat: Try tamago kake gohan (hot rice with raw egg and soy sauce) after your snowy trek

The Monsters That Melt

Come March, the monsters begin to shrink. By April, they’re gone—leaving behind only the twisted trees that carried their icy skins. What was once myth becomes memory, and the Zao Mountains return to silence, waiting for next year’s transformation.

In a world where most monsters hide under beds or behind legends, the Juhyo of Yamagata stand proudly in plain sight. They don’t need to roar to be remembered. They just need a good snowstorm—and someone brave enough to wander among them.

Tags: Juhyo, Ice Monsters Japan, Zao Mountains, Yamagata winter, snow monsters, Japan hidden wonders, winter travel Japan