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
-
The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
-
Otaka-Mori
-
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
-
Matsushima Islands Area
-
Johgi Nyorai
-
Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
-
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
-
Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
-
Zao Fox Village
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Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
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Matsushima Islands Area
-
Urakasumi Sake Brewery
-
Sushitetsu
-
Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
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Zuihoden Mausoleum
-
Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
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Loople Sendai
-
Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine
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SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
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Ishinomori Manga Museum
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Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
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Sendai City Museum
-
Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
-
Sendai Daikannon
-
Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
-
Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
-
Sendai Station
-
Miyagi Zao Tour of Juhyo, Ice Monster
-
Downtown Sendai City
-
Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
-
Sagakei Gorge
-
Kirin Brewery Sendai
-
Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
-
Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
-
Site of Sendai Castle
-
Ruins of the Great
East Japan Earthquake:
Sendai Arahama Elementary
School -
Yajiro Kokeshi Village
-
Jozenji-dori Ave.
-
Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
-
Kataribe taxi
-
Sendai Station
-
Discovery Center
-
Naruko-kyo Gorge
-
Oshu Kaido Street Umen Bansho (Shiroishi Umen)
-
Hitome Senbonzakura (1,000 Sakura trees at a glance)
-
Akiu Onsenkyo Hot Springs (Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairai-kyo Gorge)
-
Sendai Mediatheque