Mount Zao, a volcano near Sendai 蔵王山

Okama crater - visit the 5-colored pond

Mount Zao is a mountain nestled in the Tohoku region, between the prefectures of Miyagi and Yamagata. Located in the middle of a quasi-national park, it is known for its tourist complex around its onsen, its ski resorts, and its hiking trails.

The volcano surmounted by a lake

Like many mountains in Japan, Mount Zao is a volcanic formation, the last known activity of which dates back to 1940.

This eminence, which culminates at 1840 meters above sea level, belongs to the list of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, a classification which can be justified by the mere presence of Lake Okama. The latter, 27 meters deep and 1 kilometer in circumference, is not far from the summit, at 1550 meters above sea level, and attracts many tourists with its circular outline and the constantly changing shimmer of its water.

Lake Okama

Wiki commons

A superb tourist complex

Mount Zao seems to have been created on purpose by nature to welcome visitors.

At the foot of the mountain, there is an onsen which, according to legend, was discovered in the year 110. This makes it one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, prized for its acidity which is said to soften the skin and cure digestive problems.

Le Dai Rotenburo de Zaô Onsen

The Dai Rotenburo at Zaô Onsen

Yamagata

The sides of the mountain are also open to many activities. The ski slopes are famous, in particular, because of the presence of the famous "juhyô", which means "frozen tree", these trees are covered with snow and take the form of a monster.

Due to the winds coming from Siberia and the Sea of Japan, these "ice monsters" remain throughout the winter season

Snow monsters at Zao ski resort

Contemplate the ice monsters before hitting the slopes!

Jerome Laborde

Mount Zao in autumn

Wiki Commons


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Timetable

    Take the JR bus from JR Yamagata station to the Zao Onsen stop (40 min).

Latest Articles

Pine trees on land overlooking Matsushima Bay

Matsushima

Matsushima is famous for its view of over the bay, considered one of Japan's Three Great Sights. However, it offers visitors ancient cultural treasures as well. 

Japan Visitor - tendo-guide-1.jpg

Tendo Guide Yamagata

Tendo guide Yamagata: read a travel guide to the city of Tendo, the home of shogi (Japanese chess) in Yamagata Prefecture, northern Japan close to Sendai.

Tsutsujigaoka Park

Top Three Places for Hanami in Sendai

The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the great attraction of early spring in Japan, during which the population goes out picnicking in the parks under the swollen branches of pink flowers.

See All (17)