This is one of the places I recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime!
At first, I had only seen photos online and wasn't that interested in Zao's juhyo, but after seeing them in person, I was completely amazed by nature's incredible handiwork.
While doing research before the trip, I read online that juhyo form when winter snow and ice freeze onto trees and continue to accumulate, eventually transforming conifer forests high in the mountains into a fantastical landscape resembling snow monsters. Such a spectacular sight requires very unique climatic and natural conditions, so there are actually very few places in the world where juhyo can be seen. Luckily, Japan, which is very close to Taiwan, happens to have one. Before I left, everyone who had been there told me, “Make sure to dress warmly! Otherwise, your fingers and toes might just fall off along the way.”
(In the end, my fingers and toes didn't fall off, but one of my eyeglass lenses did. Fortunately, a kind woman helped me find it. I'm not sure if it was because of the cold, but it was very difficult to get the lens back into the frame. Once we got down the mountain, though, it wasn't a problem. If you wear glasses, I suggest switching to contacts to reduce fogging and the risk of losing your glasses.)
We went in February, right when the juhyo are at their most spectacular (though if you're unlucky enough to encounter a blizzard, visibility will be much lower). Fortunately, the blizzard we encountered wasn't too severe. Although it was unbelievably cold, we could still clearly see the snow monsters before us.
You really need to dress warmly! A waterproof jacket and snow boots are essential, and I also strongly recommend waterproof gloves. I even put foot warmers under my feet.)
Before leaving, we booked the ropeway and the nighttime snowcat tour, “Juhyo Fantasy Corridor.” I highly, highly recommend this tour! The snowcat was a little crowded, and the ride was quite bumpy, but the scenery along the way was so fantastical that it's hard to describe. Every snow monster had a completely different shape. As I looked at them, I thought—the snow monsters are just like us: every person is a one-of-a-kind presence in this world.
The snowcat takes everyone to a designated spot (I'm not sure if it's where the lighting looks best, but I thought it was the most beautiful), and then you get off and have about ten minutes of free time (maybe they don't let you stay out long because they're afraid everyone will freeze to death), allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the dreamlike snowy scenery. If you're not afraid of the cold, you can also try rolling around in the snow. The snow is icy cold and feels soft and fluffy, and because the temperature is so low, it doesn't melt easily. Even after rolling around in it, your clothes are still dry when you get up!
This trip to see the Zao juhyo completely changed my original impression that they “looked just okay in photos.” Some scenery really has to be seen with your own eyes before you can understand just how incredible nature can be.
Juhyo (Rime) in Zao (Yamagata Prefecture) | Review by Star
Other Reviews by Star
-
Ryukakusan Direct
Ryukakusan is a throat medicine that has been used for over 200 years in Japan to treat coughs, phlegm, and throat pain. The Ryukakusan brand is now releasing a new granule-type medication “Ryukakusan Direct Stick” and a lozenge-type medication “Ryukakusan Direct Lozenge.” The stick-type version comes in peach and mint flavors.
Ryukakusan is one of the medicines I always buy when I visit a drugstore in Japan. I usually get the mint or peach flavor. When my throat feels a little dry and itchy, I take one packet with water. It leaves my throat feeling cool, and after a while, it doesn't feel as uncomfortable. But it is still medicine, so anyone thinking of buying it should consider whether it's suitable for them and be careful not to take too much.
-
-
Sapporo Agricultural College Hokkaido Milk Cookies
Hokkaido, is Japan’s beloved “kingdom of dairy”, an apt nickname due to its booming dairy industry. Outside of the sheer production volume of milk and butter, the quality and flavor of Hokkaido’s dairy products are heralded by many as some of the best in Japan.
Sapporo Agricultural College has shops at both Fukuoka Airport and New Chitose Airport. These cookies have a rich milky flavor and are crisp without being too sweet. People who like handmade cookies will probably really enjoy these.
-
-
Hakodate Snaffle’s “Cheese Omelette”
The name Snaffle’s comes from the phrase “I snaffle therefore I am”-expressing the joy of living through delicious food.
This is the cheesecake I had while shopping at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse in Hakodate. If you eat it there, it comes with a cup of black coffee, and you can stand in the space behind the counter and enjoy it at your leisure.
I have to say, this pairing is really good. Especially when you're a little tired after walking around for a while, one cheesecake with a soft, creamy center that melts in your mouth makes all the fatigue disappear instantly.
Also, the black coffee isn't too bitter, so even I, who normally don't drink much black coffee, enjoyed it. (By the way, the logo tag stuck into the cake apparently can be used as a spoon.) Their cheesecakes come in many flavors, but for me, the original was already very satisfying. If I get another chance to go, I'd like to try the chocolate flavor. -
