Zao(蔵王) is a volcanic mountain area between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures in Tohoku.
On the Yamagata side, the hot spring, Zao Onsen offer country's most acidic thermal waters.
In winter, Zao Onsen become leading ski resort and one of only few places in Japan to see frozen trees called snow monsters as picture.
The snow monsters sculpted by nature through a confluence of vegetation and special weather conditions.
(Access) From Zao town, visitor firstly go to Zao ropeway and ride on the ropeway from Zao Sanroku station to Jizo Sancho station.
Finally visitor can walk around "snow monsters" area.
(Last visited) 2018 January
