On the summit of the volcanic Mount Zao in Japan, about 220 miles north of Tokyo, an unusual natural phenomenon gives birth to snowy, monster-like figures every year.

As winter storms rush though Japan’s Zao Mountain Range, trees are transformed into incredible “snow monsters.” ...

As winter storms rush though Japan’s Zao Mountain Range, trees are transformed into incredible “snow monsters.” ...

Strangely shaped, snow covered trees, nicknamed 'snow monsters' cover the slopes of Mount Zao on January 19, 2019 near Yamagata, Japan. Carl Court/Getty Images ...

As winter coats Japan, snow and rime ice cover the trees, creating armies of monsters and snow giants that loom over the landscape. And in some of these photos, they look ready to trudge to life.

ZAO ONSEN, Japan — Ashley Huang had seen the pictures on the internet, and they were mesmerizing: huge, Godzilla-like creatures, naturally formed by snow and ice, encasing conifer trees spread ...

February 8, 2022 (Mainichi Japan) Japanese version "Snow monsters" are seen at their most spectacular at Mount Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort in Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture, on Feb. 5, 2022.

GoNorth Japan. What Are Japanese Snow Monsters? (On Mt. Moriyoshi in Akita) Posted: June 12, 2025 | Last updated: June 12, 2025. My name is Quinlan - I am a guide in north Japan, certified ...

"Snow monster" tree formations on west Japan's Mount Hyonosen, which straddles Hyogo and Tottori prefectures, are enthralling climbers. Climbers look at giant "snow monsters" in the morning ...