Photo: Qwert1234, Public domain.
Zao area
landmark
Zao area
蔵王エリア
Overview
The Zao area straddles the Yamagata-Miyagi border, known for its volcanic crater lake (Okama) in summer and snow monster (juhyo) formations on the ski slopes in winter. The Zao Onsen village at the base provides hot spring ryokan and access to both hiking and skiing routes.
Local tips
In February and March, temperature inversions cause snow and ice to encase the upper-slope trees, forming juhyo (snow monsters): pillars of white standing 3 to 4 meters tall. The phenomenon is strongest above 1,300 meters, accessible by the Zao Ropeway from Yamagata City in about 15 minutes. The lower slopes have ski runs from December through April, and Zao Onsen at the base is a sulfur spring that colors the water milky white. The crater lake (Okama) opens from late April and turns vivid green by early summer.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 蔵王エリア
- Nearest station
- Yamagata Station (40 min bus to Zao Onsen)
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