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A man looks at the ice forest in the mountains of Takayama, Japan, Jan. 20, 2026

Video. "Subzero forest": Ice forest created at mountain inn in Takayama

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An inn in Takayama, Japan, creates a stunning ice forest each winter by spraying water onto trees and slopes, forming icicles and ice layers that draw visitors nationwide.

An inn located in the central Japanese city of Takayama has created an ice forest, taking advantage of the freezing cold weather.

Located in Gifu Prefecture at an altitude of about 1,000 metres, the inn builds what it calls a Subzero Forest each year by spraying water onto trees and nearby slopes.

The forest looks fantastical with some icicles hanging from the trees like curtains and others resembling jellyfish.

As temperatures stay below zero, the water freezes into thick layers of ice. Icicles form on branches like curtains, while others hang in rounded shapes that visitors compare to jellyfish.

The scene changes daily, shaped by wind and cold. Visitors travel from across Japan to see the display.

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