Etiquette for Coexisting with the "Snow Monsters" of Ice and Snow

In a world of silver, wrapped in silence, colossal masses of snow and ice rise towards the sky, writhing as if they were alive. Some resemble fierce giants, others a Madonna in prayer, with no two shapes alike. People call them with a sense of awe: "Snow Monsters."

Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is a miraculous place, one of the few in the world where you can see a colony of "Juhyo" (ice trees), a natural work of art. This spectacle, born from a perfect and coincidental combination of harsh winter weather conditions, captures the hearts of visitors with a beauty so overwhelming it can numb the senses.

But Zao's charm is not limited to its Juhyo. At its foot lies a highly acidic sulfur spring with a history of over 1900 years, renowned as the "Spring of Beauty" for its skin-healing properties. And its vast ski resort satisfies all skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts.

This guide is your invitation to experience this unique and spectacular scenery safely and respectfully. The Juhyo, while possessing an overwhelming power, are also extremely fragile and delicate. The manners introduced here are the wisdom and promises of us visitors to protect this ephemeral and beautiful natural art, to correctly enjoy the blessed hot springs, and to have fun in this severe natural environment.

Now, bundle up warmly and clear your mind. A dialogue with a sublime beauty that humans could never create awaits you.

Why are Zao's signature "Juhyo" and "Onsen" concentrated in this particular place? The background is a grand drama woven by global weather patterns and volcanic activity since ancient times.

"Juhyo" (ice trees) cannot be seen just anywhere. They are born only when the following three miraculous conditions are met:

1. Presence of Coniferous Trees: A colony of Aomori Todomatsu (Marumies' fir trees), a type of fir that easily accumulates snow and ice, serves as the core of the Juhyo.
2. Strong, Unidirectional Seasonal Winds: A cold, moisture-laden wind blowing consistently from Siberia in a single direction.
3. Supercooled Water Droplets and Snow: Mist-like water droplets that remain liquid below freezing, known as "supercooled water droplets," are carried by the wind. They violently collide with the branches and leaves of the fir trees and freeze. Snow fills the gaps, and layers of ice and snow build up, growing into a giant shape resembling a "shrimp's tail."

The summit area of the Zao mountain range, which meets all these conditions, is truly a miracle of nature, aptly called a "Juhyo factory."

The history of Zao Onsen is said to date back to around 110 AD. According to legend, the ancient hero Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto was wounded by an arrow during his eastern expedition, discovered the hot spring, and healed his wound here. During the Edo period, it prospered as a "toji-ba," a place for long-term hot spring therapy, attracting many people who crossed steep mountain passes in search of its healing effects.

The most distinctive feature of Zao Onsen is its highly acidic sulfur spring, one of the most acidic in Japan. Its pH value is 1.2-1.6, a level of acidity comparable to lemon juice. This strong acidity is said to have a sterilizing effect on the skin and a peeling effect that removes old skin cells and promotes regeneration, earning it the names "Spring of Beauty" and "Spring of Rejuvenation." The sulfur component is also said to improve blood circulation and be effective for skin diseases and cuts. This unique water quality is a direct blessing of Mt. Zao's volcanic activity.

The Juhyo fields, once a privilege for skiers, are now easily accessible to everyone thanks to ropeways and heated snowcats like the "Nightcruiser." The "Juhyo Light-Up" event, where the trees are illuminated with colorful lights in the dark of night, creates a fantastical world completely different from the daytime. On the other hand, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the withering of Aomori Todomatsu trees due to global warming. Initiatives for a sustainable mountain resort, such as tree-planting activities to protect the Juhyo, have begun.

The Juhyo fields, over 1600 meters in altitude, are a completely different world from the ground below. Be fully prepared.

• Local Bus (Recommended): From the bus terminal at the east exit of JR Yamagata Station, local buses to Zao Onsen run approximately every 40 minutes (journey time approx. 45 mins). No reservation is needed, and you can bring ski equipment.
• Taxi: Convenient for groups or when on a tight schedule.
• From Yamagata Airport: A reservation-based shared taxi, the "Yamagata Airport Liner," is available.

Zao consists of the "Zao Onsen Town" at the foot of the mountain and the vast "Zao Onsen Ski Resort" accessible by ropeways and lifts.

• Access to the Juhyo Fields: From the onsen town, take the "Zao Ropeway" lines, transferring along the way, to the final stop "Jizo Sancho Station." The Juhyo fields spread out right before your eyes.
• The Ski Resort: It is extremely large with complex courses. First-time visitors should check the course map carefully beforehand and ski in areas appropriate for their level.

The weather near the Zao summit is highly volatile. It's not uncommon for a clear day to suddenly turn into a blizzard, causing a "whiteout" phenomenon where visibility is almost zero.

• Clothing: Layering is key. Wear a base layer (quick-drying), a mid-layer (like fleece), and a ski wear top and bottom. Covering your face with a balaclava or neck warmer is also important.
• Equipment: Goggles with light-colored lenses suitable for blizzards and whiteouts are essential. It's wise to carry spare goggles and gloves, as well as emergency food, in your pocket.

Sublime nature can sometimes be fragile and sometimes harsh. The utmost respect and caution are absolute prerequisites for enjoying Zao.

In the onsen town, there are three public baths (Kami-yu, Shimo-yu, and Kawahara-yu) also used by locals, where you can experience the essence of Zao's onsen. From spring to autumn, the "Zao Dai-Rotenburo" (Grand Open-Air Bath) is open, offering a dynamic bathing experience in nature (note that it is closed in winter).

The signature dish of Zao is "Jingisukan." It's a dish of grilled mutton with a special sauce that will warm you to the core. Also, the hot "Tama Konnyaku" (ball-shaped konjac jelly simmered in a soy-based broth) is an old-fashioned soul food that can be easily enjoyed during a stroll.

• Morning: Take a bus from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen. Upon arrival, immediately head to the Zao Ropeway's summit station and explore the Juhyo fields.
• Noon: Have lunch at the summit station's restaurant with a view of the Juhyo.
• Afternoon: Descend by ropeway again. Experience the highly acidic onsen at a public bath in the town.
• Evening: Return to Yamagata Station by bus.

• Day 1:
  〇Morning: Arrive at Zao Onsen. Leave your luggage at your inn and enjoy skiing/snowboarding.
  〇Afternoon: Head to the summit via the Zao Ropeway. A special experience skiing through the Juhyo.
  〇Evening: Check into your inn. Have the famous Jingisukan for dinner.
  〇Night: View the illuminated Juhyo on the "Nightcruiser" snowcat tour.
• Day 2:
  〇Morning: Ski the first tracks on the morning slopes.
  〇Noon: Lunch in the onsen town.
  〇Afternoon: Stroll through the onsen town and look for souvenirs. Head back by bus.

When you finish your journey in Zao, the majestic figures of the snow monsters will be deeply engraved in your heart. However, an even more important memory might be the "awe of nature" you felt in front of this overwhelming natural spectacle, realizing the smallness of your own existence.

Quietly watching over the ephemeral artwork of the Juhyo, and soaking gratefully in the onsen blessed by the earth. The emotion gained through these humble acts is the greatest souvenir Zao can give us. That feeling will surely have a quiet, profound influence on your perspective on life.