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Snow Monsters of Mt. Moriyoshi

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Snow Monsters of Mt. Moriyoshi

Walk or cruise through towering frost-covered trees at Ani Ski Resort

Akita Inu Tourism

During the deepest of winter, around mid-January till March, mysterious snow monsters make their appearance at one of the highest points in Northern Akita Prefecture: Mt. Moriyoshi in Kitaakita City, one of the top three frost-covered trees locations in Japan.

These “monsters” are formed through the collision of water droplets against the trees while freezing cold winds blow. Not all trees can transform into these majestic forms – the white firs are one of the most suitable candidates for it, and these are found in abundance at the top of Mt. Moriyoshi. Depending on weather conditions, their form subtly changes from day to day. No two “monsters” are the same.

Easily accessible from Ani Ski Resort, the frost-covered trees are just a 20-minute gondola ride up and a 10-minute walk away from the gondola station. Before you set out from the gondola station, you will be greeted by guides who will explain and guide you through the snow monsters. This, of course, is free-of-charge and includes boot or snowshoes and walking stick rentals. With that, you are all set to explore and take some insta-worthy pictures of the towering snow monsters. And if you have your ski or snowboard gear with you, you will be able to cruise through them!

Come visit Mt. Moriyoshi and see this wonder of nature with your own eyes. You'll get to meet the adorable Akita dog Hokuto who is a resident dog at the resort, too!

How to get there

By train:
From Tokyo Station, take the shinkansen to Kakunodate Station (3 hours), transfer to a train bound for Aniai Station (1.5 hours), then take a taxi to Ani Ski Resort (30 minutes).

By plane:
Fly in to Odate-Noshiro Airport, then take a taxi to Ani Ski Resort (about 1 hour)..

79-5 Anikaginodaki, Kitaakita-shi, Akita-ken