[2025 Kawasaki Attraction] Travel Guide for Okama (Updated Jun)

💞Recommendation: In winter in Zao, Japan, you can see the famous frost trees and enjoy the warm hot springs, but you can't go to Zao Okama, which looks like angel tears. This is a tourist attraction that will only open in May after the snow season. 🗓️Itinerary: We will travel by car ➡️We will park at the parking lot below Okama ➡️We will take a personal cable car to go there🚠! Walk along the trail of Zao Okama and enjoy the Okama and various natural landscapes😘 The weather is still very cold when going up the mountain, remember to wear more clothes! #JapanTohoku #ZaoOkama #JapanSelf-drivingTour #Yamagata #Zao #JanuaryGoodPlaces2025

One of the famous attractions in Tohoku is Zao Okama in Yamagata, a volcanic lake also known as the Five-Colored Lake. The lake water boils repeatedly due to volcanic activity. The water of Lake Okama is green. You can take the cable car up the mountain and then walk to Okama. We drove to the mountain by ourselves. There is a parking lot and a sales department at the tourist center so it is very convenient. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to Okama. Okama is beautiful from every angle. In addition to seeing the beautiful volcanic lake - Okama, I also accidentally climbed two of Japan's 100 Most Famous Mountains - Kumanodake (Zao Mountain) at an altitude of 1,841m and Karitadake at an altitude of 1,758m. It took 1 hour and 50 minutes to go from the visitor center to the top of the mountain through Mikama and back, taking photos and enjoying the scenery. This itinerary is very suitable for families to travel together. The children were having fun walking, playing and picking up stones. Stones from volcanic eruptions could be seen everywhere around them. Soon the weather on the mountain began to change and fog appeared. It was only 9 degrees on the mountain at that time, which was very cool. Zao Okama 〒989-0916 Miyagi Prefecture, Karata County, Kurao Town, Togatta Onsen, Kuraishidake National Forest, Kurao no Mikama #Zao #Okama #Kumano-dake #Zao Mountain #Katada-dake #Volcanic Lake #Zao Mountain Range #Goshikinuma #Miyagi #Japan's 100 Famous Mountains #Good Places for Families #familytravel #Self-driving

Near the parking lot of Mt. Kanda in Zao is the Zao Summit Rest House, which serves as a base for sightseeing and mountain climbing. There are toilets, rest areas, and a restaurant, so you can relax here. The surrounding scenery is also spectacular. #AutumnTravel #AutumnFoliageSpots #AutumnFoliageViewing

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Okama, Zao It is called Okama because it is surrounded by the outer rim of the mountain and resembles a kettle. The surface of the lake is emerald green, and in contrast to the rough crater walls, it has a mysterious atmosphere. Along with the frost-covered trees in winter, it is a symbol of Zao. The lake water is highly acidic, so no living creatures can live there. The water temperature drops to 2 degrees Celsius at a depth of about 10 meters from the surface, and the temperature rises as it gets deeper, making it a unique lake in the world with a special double-thermal layer. It is also called the "Five-Color Lake" because it changes color depending on how the sunlight hits it. The surrounding area is located in a mountainous area at an altitude of about 1,600 m, and can be about 10 degrees lower than the temperature at the foot of the mountain. Even during Golden Week, it was only 3 degrees, so it was extremely cold! Please bring warm clothes that can be put on and taken off. Also, comfortable shoes are recommended! In bad weather and poor visibility due to dense fog, you may not be able to see Okama. I went twice during Golden Week, but was only able to see it once. Even during Golden Week, there were days when the road was closed due to freezing. [Season when you can see Okama] Usually from late April to early November (may vary depending on the weather) (Important) Generally, you cannot view Okama from early November to late April due to the winter road closures of the Zao Echo Line and High Line. You may not be able to view the Okama due to road closures on the Zao Echo Line and Zao High Line. Please check the road traffic information for the day in advance. At the Zao Summit Restaurant (8:00-17:00), there are toilets and a shop selling snacks and souvenirs on the first floor, and a restaurant on the second floor. Zao Okama 〒989-0998 Miyagi Prefecture, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Togatta Onsen, Kuraishi-dake National Land, National Forest #Miyagi Zao #Kurao Okama

# Visiting Zao Snow Mountain and Wisteria Flowers in Japan: A Perfect Combination of Natural Wonders Japan has four distinct seasons. Whether it is the white snow in winter or the colorful flowers in spring, it can bring people unparalleled visual enjoyment. In this journey, we will take you to explore the [Zao Snow Mountain] in the Tohoku region and the [Wisteria Tunnel] in the Kanto region to experience these two completely different but equally stunning natural landscapes. --- First stop: The ice and snow wonders of Zao Snow Mountain** Zao Snow Mountain is located at the junction of Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture in Japan. It is famous for its magnificent snow scenery and unique "tree ice". Zao in winter has become a paradise for ski enthusiasts, but even if you don't ski, the natural wonders here are unforgettable. ### **Tree ice wonders: nature's sculptural art** The most representative attraction of Zao Snow Mountain is "tree ice". Tree ice is a natural wonder formed by strong cold winds and wet and cold snow fog covering the trees, and after multiple condensations. They have different shapes, some look like huge monsters, some look like abstract sculptures, especially under the sunlight, the whole snowfield sparkles with crystal light, as if entering a fairy tale world of ice and snow. It is recommended to take the Zao Cable Car to the top of the mountain. You can overlook the entire frost forest on the way, and the view is extremely shocking. There is also a "Tree Ice Lighting" event at night, and colorful lights are reflected on the frost, adding a dreamy atmosphere. ### **Zao Okama: A beautiful picture of the crater lake** In addition to the frost, Zao Okama is also one of the must-see attractions. This crater lake is named after the emerald green of the lake. The lake surface shows different colors as the sunlight and angle change, like a quiet beauty in nature. Although it is impossible to get close to the lake in winter due to the accumulation of snow, the magnificent view of the lake area is enough to take your breath away. Second stop: Romantic spring day in the wisteria flower tunnel** After the ice and snow journey of Zao Snow Mountain, the spring season brings us to [Kawachi Fuji Garden] in Fukuoka Prefecture. This place is famous for its spectacular wisteria tunnel, and is a pilgrimage site for wisteria fans around the world. ### **Wisteria Tunnel: Step into a Romantic Wonderland** The wisteria tunnel in Hanoi Fuji Garden is in full bloom from late April to early May every year. Visitors can stroll under the tunnel built by dozens of wisteria flowers. The wisteria flower strings hang down like a waterfall, and the flower colors range from white, pink to dark purple, as if you are in a dreamland. The tunnel is about 80 meters long. The wisteria flowers on both sides sway gently with the breeze, and you can also smell the faint fragrance of the flowers, which is refreshing. Not only that, there are wisteria arches and wisteria trellises in the garden, allowing you to enjoy this purple visual feast from different angles. ### **Best time to shoot and suggestions** It is recommended to visit Hanoi Fuji Garden in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and it is best for taking dreamy photos. In addition, the park adopts a reservation system for admission. Remember to confirm the flowering period and book tickets in advance to avoid missing this purple flower sea event. --- ## **Transportation and travel tips** 1. **Zao Snow Mountain Transportation** - Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata Station or Sendai Station, and then take a bus or cable car to reach Zao Onsen Ski Resort. - It is recommended to stay at Zao Onsen Hotel, which is not only convenient for sightseeing, but also allows you to enjoy the local natural hot springs and relieve a day's fatigue. 2. **Kawachi Fuji Garden Transportation** - Take the train from Fukuoka City to Yawata Station in Kitakyushu City, and take a taxi for about 15 minutes to arrive. - Check the flowering period of wisteria flowers in advance to grasp the best viewing time. 3. **Precautions** - When traveling in the snowy mountains, please wear cold-proof clothing and keep warm to avoid affecting your itinerary due to low temperatures. - Please keep quiet when viewing wisteria flowers, avoid disturbing other tourists, and do not touch or damage the flowers at will. 🏖️Environment/Facilities: It is cold on the mountain, so you need to prepare warm clothes💞Recommendation: Beautiful scenery --- ## **Conclusion: A beautiful symphony of winter and spring** From the ice and snow world of Zao Snow Mountain to the romantic sea of ​​flowers of the wisteria flower tunnel, this journey perfectly combines the magnificence of winter and the tenderness of spring. Whether you are a ski enthusiast or a flower lover, you can find spiritual comfort in these two places. If you also yearn for such natural wonders, you might as well include Zao Snow Mountain and the wisteria flower tunnel in your next Japan travel list and experience this symphony of winter and spring!

We arrived at Okama in Zao, famous for its emerald green hot springs. We were worried because we were shrouded in fog on the way, but as we got closer to Okama, the fog cleared up and we were able to see the magnificent Okama. It is important not to give up just because of a little fog. You can drive close to the spot, so even those with weak legs can feel safe. There is Zao Onsen nearby, so we were able to spend a relaxing time there. 📍Address: Okama in Zao, Kuraishi-dake National Forest, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0916 #0 yen trip

#springwander Mt. Zao Mikama is a crater lake located in the highest altitude area in the centre of the Zao mountain range. " It is a lake with a diameter of 325 metres and a circumference of about 1 km, surrounded by three mountains: Mt. Karita, "Mt. Kumano" and "Mt. Goshiki". It is a mysterious spot also known as "Goshiki Lake" because the colour of the lake changes to dark green, blue, emerald green, etc. depending on various conditions such as seasons, time, weather, and temperature, and the contrast between the quiet glow of the lake surface and the roughness of the crater wall. But it exudes the depth of natural beauty.

Hi !!! 🤗 Let's share the experience of traveling to Okama Crater on a budget to be a guideline for everyone. 1. Access: From Kaminoyama Onsen Station, there will be a free shuttle bus (few buses, 2 trips there / 2 trips back). The bus stops in front of Kaminoyama Onsen Tourist Information (while waiting for the bus, the staff will give out a 500¥ Chair Lift discount coupon). 2. We traveled on November 1, 67. The Okama crater was quite windy and very cold (opening period: late April - early November).

#historicallandmarks Amazing view for this volcanic lake in Mount Zao, Yamagata, Japan. The view is breathtaking. 100% worthwhile to come and visit. Reminder: can get windy and cold up there. Bring a jacket 😊

Mikama is a volcanic lake. The water in the lake boils repeatedly due to volcanic activity. It is highly acidic and no living things can survive. The lake also has a gem-like blue-green color, which is very dreamy! After going down the mountain, you can soak in the hot springs. The smell is strong and the spring water is milky white. It is rich in minerals and helps relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. It is also called "Beauty Hot Spring". There are dozens of hot spring hotels here, most of which provide accommodation with one night and two meals. The quality is very good and you must stay for one night. #Japan and Korea City Attractions #JapanZaoOnsen #JapanZao #OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #JapanAttractions #JapanMust-visitCheck-inPoints #JapanHiking

Okama, a tourist spot between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures⭐️ It feels great to see the crater lake sparkling emerald green!! As it is in the mountains, we recommend going by car! Parking is 550 yen #202308SummerTrip #Okama #MiyagiTourism #YamagataTourism

Mount Zao is a large mountain range that spans Miyagi and Yamagata, but in fact there is a road that goes almost to the top, so you can access the famous Okama by car. It gets very crowded during the autumn foliage season, but you can enjoy beautiful scenery. #AutumnTravel #AutumnFoliageViewing #AutumnFoliageSpots

Visited in mid-September 2022. The weather was changeable and I was worried about whether I would be able to see it beautifully, but it was a clear day and I was able to see the best views. I brought something to wear over my clothes, but the weather was very refreshing and the breeze was pleasant, so I was sweating when walking around, so short sleeves were fine.

Address: 989-0916, Miyagi Prefecture, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Togatta Onsen, Kuraishi-dake National Land, National Forest Content: We enjoyed the fresh greenery of summer in Zao!! It's really rare to think that you can only see this view in summer🌳 The mountains on the way to Okama can be seen by car without having to climb the mountain, so you can easily see them🤭 Please come and visit✌🏻 #Outdoor　#Summer weekend trip

Address: 989-0916, Togatta Onsen, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, Kuraishi-dake National Land, National Forest Content: Okama, located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures! The emerald green color was so beautiful! 🥹🥹 When I went there before, it was extremely cold and the weather was foggy, so I was really hoping for an emerald green (lol) Please come and visit us 🤭 #Outdoor #Summer weekend trip