As Japan's hot spots feel the squeeze, Yamagata Prefecture offers a quieter alternative with mountain temples and onsen towns rich in tradition. In winter, Mount Zao's slopes transform under layers of ice into the striking juhyō—"snow monsters" shaped by wind and frost—creating a signature sight of the region. Looking for your next adventure? Our global editors picked the world's 25 most exciting travel experiences for the year ahead: https://on.natgeo.com/4hQFezl | National Geographic