“Snow Monsters” on Mount Zao in Yamagata, Japan. Photo: Handout That initial investigation determined that 45 of the 60 trees close to the Jizo Sancho Station, on the cable car that brings ...

Incredible images of “snow monsters” have emerged from the blizzards sweeping the chilly heights of Mount Zao in Japan — to the awe of passing skiers.

On the summit of the volcanic Mount Zao in Japan, about 220 miles north of Tokyo, an unusual natural phenomenon gives birth to snowy, monster-like figures every year.

"Join me on a guided adventure to uncover Japan's mysterious 'snow monsters'—the stunning frost-covered trees of Mount Zao. Explore this winter wonderland and discover the legend behind these ...

The Snow Monsters, known as juhyo in Japanese, have arrived in Zao! These mysterious formations are a rare sight, found only in a few select locations in Japan. Zao Onsen, in Yamagata Prefecture ...

Leaving tracks in the soft, fresh powder, I swerved to avoid the extended claws of a three-storey-high monster but almost skied straight into another that, except for pure-white lizard skin ...

Snow monsters on Mt Zao, Yamagata, Japan. Picture: Alamy. Ringed by craggy mountain peaks, we were serenely alone by a frozen lake and trees laden with clumps of snow.

Snow monsters on Mt Zao, Yamagata, Japan. Picture: Alamy. Ringed by craggy mountain peaks, we were serenely alone by a frozen lake and trees laden with clumps of snow.

Snow monsters on Mt Zao, Yamagata, Japan. Picture: Alamy. Ringed by craggy mountain peaks, we were serenely alone by a frozen lake and trees laden with clumps of snow.

Leaving tracks in the soft, fresh powder, I swerved to avoid the extended claws of a three-storey-high monster but almost skied straight into another that, except for pure-white lizard skin ...