The Yuki-onna is a figure from Japanese folklore, recognized as a beautiful woman in a white kimono who appears on snowy nights, preying on unsuspecting travelers with her icy breath. Initially depicted as evil, some stories now include a softer side, portraying her as a maternal figure showing mercy to those who demonstrate kindness. The Yuki-onna legend has been an enduring inspiration in Japanese literature and media and serves as a cautionary tale for travelers in winter.