Enchanting Zao Snow Monsters, Twisted Winter Wonderland
Twisted snow-capped trees transform into ghostly snow monsters against snowy Japanese mountains.

The Snow Monsters of Mount Zao

It’s not an easy encounter. I’d already visited a few years ago, but a gathering storm made it impossible for me to approach these monsters and stroke their silken fur.

Winter is the finest season in Japan, but … only for the monkeys! I mean the Jigokudani monkeys, of course, basking in their onsen, But, on an upbeat note, we too can have the pleasure of relaxing in a piping-hot spring, concealed from one another by the swirling flakes of snow and, more to the point, heads turned by sake. But there’s also the famous drifting snow of Hokkaido and dozens more fabulous spots to visit at this time of year, scattered throughout the region.

Snow Monsters

I’ve already taken you to see the Tottori Dunes under the snow, so now let’s catch the cable car to meet the Zao snow monsters!

Snow Monsters

It’s not an easy encounter. I’d already visited a few years ago, but a gathering storm made it impossible for me to approach these monsters and stroke their silken fur.

Zao Snow Monsters

This time a minute was long enough to be outside, buffeted by the icy winds, rallying this frozen battalion … for the winter armistice! Today’s weather isn’t so good either, but we can still explore.

Zao Snow Monsters

If your imagination is kind of wild, this place is a real delight. You’ll find gathered here all the creatures of your worst nightmares! Isn’t that reason enough to come?

Zao Snow Monsters

There’s always a good excuse to explore further, higher, above or beyond. The reason is simple: the view is bound to be beautiful. The ascent is not easy, and once up there you can’t see far, but the effect remains. Better than the work of artists who just go through the motions with unlikely montages; here the wind is the improvised sculptor.

I was dreaming of watching the sunset because it must be extraordinary from here. But that’ll have to be for another time.

Zao Snow Monsters

I head back down, taking no precautions. Jumped and ran and rolled and swam! The drifts are fresh, and it’s a real pleasure dancing and fooling around with this phantasmagorical band of monsters.

My clothes are soaking wet, but the onsen experience will be all the better tonight 😏

Zao Snow Monsters

On the way back, it seems to me that the monsters are watching us leave, disappointed that we didn’t stay longer to play.

Snow Monsters

For the old hands (who still know how to use a keyboard), what kind of subjects would you like to see in Offbeat Japan? Original landscapes like these, big cities, ruins, and their backstories, interviews, hotels(!), Onsen? I’ve so much to share, so thanks for your feedback 😊💕

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Petals dance on air, Pink and gold in April's light— Sakura whispers.花びら舞う 四月の光に 桜の囁き。#hanami #sakura #japanesecherryblossom #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #naturebeauty #landscapelovers
Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit