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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Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan