Juhyo – icy ghostly creatures Guardians of Mount Zao (17 photos)

The majestic slopes of Mount Zao in central Japan annually become the scene of a remarkable natural phenomenon.





Cold, moisture-laden winds from Siberia lash them, creating a wonder that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country and the world.



Ropeway to Mount Zao

The tiniest droplets of water, carried by the powerful wind, immediately freeze on the Zao pines and their branches, forming ice caps. Due to constant squalls, these ice caps grow almost horizontally, and falling snow settles on them, creating gigantic, bizarre white figures. The Japanese call these giants snow monsters, or juhyo.





The birth of snow monsters requires a unique combination of strong winds, low temperatures, and snowfalls falling on evergreen conifers. Juhyo appear in several other regions of Japan, but Mount Zao remains the most accessible place to admire the snow giants.



Zao is also home to hot springs and a ski resort. Cable cars lead to the juhyo habitat, offering the best views of these icy giants. The juhyo season begins around the end of December and lasts until the end of February.



A phenomenon similar to the juhyo is observed in Finland, in Riisitunturi National Park. The Finns call it tikki.





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Tikki in Finland



Riisitunturi Park