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The
slope covered with lit-up Ice Monsters is totally different
from its appearance during the day. |
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In the freezing cold mountains of winter, a miraculous scene
will materialize before the eyes of fortunate visitors. The
Zao Mountains, straddling both Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures,
are a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. Snow and ice accumulate
on the clumps of Maries fir trees growing near the summit, and
grow into a group of monstrous ice figures during the long winter.
Only Mother Nature is capable of doing such a massive job.
The seasonal north-westerly winds from Siberia take in huge
amounts of moisture from the Tsushima Current running through
the Sea of Japan, resulting in heavy snowfall on the Zao Mountains.
Most of the snowflakes contain supercooled water droplets that
do not freeze even the temperature drops below 0℃. When such
snowflakes touch the branches or leaves of the Maries fir trees,
they coagulate into "shrimp-shaped" ice, gather further
snow, and eventually the trees grow into huge monster-like shapes
of silver frost.
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On the Yamagata side of the Zao Mountains, the Ice Monsters
are lit up in magnificent colors every winter from 17:00 - 21:00.
After getting off the ropeway, tourists find themselves in a
totally unexpected world. What expands before their eyes is
a landscape that is mysterious and unearthly. Witnessing the
wondrous display of the monstrous ice figures and light, people
are rendered speechless. Ice Monsters can be seen towards the
end of January if weather conditions are favorable, but the
best season is towards the end of February through the beginning
of March, when the weather is stable.
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The Zao Ice Monster Festival will be held on Saturday, February
4th and Sunday, February 5th, 2006. Ski school instructors will
demonstrate their skill on the slopes, and at the Kaminodai
slope, there will be fireworks and other events involving snow
and fire. The flames from the "Ice Candle Night" will
glimmer softly and offer comfort to visitors. On both days of
the festival, visitors will have access to Zao Onsen's large
open-air bath free of charge. Bathing in an outdoor bath surrounded
by snow is sure to give visitors a sense of adventure and excitement.
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The two things that can warm up cold and stiff bodies are the
onsen and a hot pot dish cooked at the table. The city of Tendo,
famous for producing 95 percent of the pieces used in Japanese
chess, will hold a "Winter Hot Pot Competition in Tendo"
on Sunday, January 15th, 2006. In addition to the Torobeko soup
and Dongara soup, both famous local hot pot dishes, hot pot
dishes originally created by Tendo Onsen's Japanese inns, restaurants
and foreigners' organizations will be cooked at the competition.
It is an enjoyable event, with each participant boasting their
own creation as being the best-tasting dish. All the hot pot
dishes will be served to visitors for a fee. Each dish will
be judged on its taste, popularity, appearance, and originality
after which the winners will be selected. The hot pot, the onsen
and an enjoyable conversation with the locals are sure to warm
the visitors from both within and outside.
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