Zao Okama crater lake
©AFLO
The Okama is a crater lake with a circumference of 1,000m and a depth of 27m. It is also known as “Goshikinuma” (lake of five colors) for the changes in the colors of the water surface from the intensity of light. Okama is a popular sightseeing spot that is representative of Zao. Visitors can enjoy the sight of alpine plants in summer, and views of red autumn foliage from September to November. When the roads are opened around the end of April, the snow forms walls above 10m high close to the sides of the road leading to the mountain top.
View scenic routes that include this spot
HAVE REAL × IMAGINATIONMore Information about Zao Okama crater lake
Street address
- Kuraishidake Kokuyuchinai, Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi
Access
Route1
- [From Yamagata Station]
Take the train to JR Kaminoya-Onsen Station and take a free shuttle bus for 60 min.
Get off at the katta parking area and take the Zao-Katta ski lift for approx. 8 min to the top.
Then a 6 min. walk.
- [From Yamagata Station]
Route2
- [From Sendai Station]
Take the train to JR Shiroishi-Zao Station and take a bus for approx. 1 hour and 35 to 40 minutes to "Zao-Katta Sancho" (2 buses a day).
Then a 5-min. walk.
※From late Apr. to early Nov., the bus only runs on weekends and holidays
- [From Sendai Station]
Opening Hours
- From sunrise to sunset
Closed
- Early Nov. to late Apr.
Website
- http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english
Best season
- May, Jun., Jul., Aug., Sep., Oct.
Point
- Since the area is closed for the winter from early Nov. to late Apr., the crater can't be seen.
Spots around
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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Yajiro Kokeshi Village
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Ishinomori Manga Museum
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Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
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Jozenji-dori Ave.
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Zao Fox Village
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Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
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Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
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Loople Sendai
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Hitome Senbonzakura (1,000 Sakura trees at a glance)
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Site of Sendai Castle
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Akiu Onsenkyo Hot Springs (Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairai-kyo Gorge)
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Oshu Kaido Street Umen Bansho (Shiroishi Umen)
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
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Otaka-Mori
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Kirin Brewery Sendai
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Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine
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Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
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Zuihoden Mausoleum
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Kataribe taxi
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Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
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Ruins of the Great
East Japan Earthquake:
Sendai Arahama Elementary
School -
Downtown Sendai City
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Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
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Sendai City Museum
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Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
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Sendai Station
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Miyagi Zao Tour of Juhyo, Ice Monster
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Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
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Discovery Center
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Matsushima Islands Area
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The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
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Sushitetsu
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Naruko-kyo Gorge
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Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
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Sendai Station
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Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
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Sagakei Gorge
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Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
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Sendai Daikannon
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Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
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SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
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Sendai Mediatheque
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Johgi Nyorai
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Urakasumi Sake Brewery