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.
update: Sep.3.2024
Spots around
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Discovery Center
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Sendai Station
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Zuihoden Mausoleum
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Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
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Urakasumi Sake Brewery
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Jozenji-dori Ave.
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Oshu Kaido Street Umen Bansho (Shiroishi Umen)
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Kirin Brewery Sendai
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Ishinomori Manga Museum
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Sagakei Gorge
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Johgi Nyorai
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The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
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Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
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Yajiro Kokeshi Village
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Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
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Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
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Sushitetsu
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
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Miyagi Zao Tour of Juhyo, Ice Monster
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Zao Fox Village
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Bar hopping in Iroha Yokocho
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Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
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Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine
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Akiu Onsenkyo Hot Springs (Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairai-kyo Gorge)
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Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
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Otaka-Mori
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Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
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Sendai Daikannon
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Hitome Senbonzakura (1,000 Sakura trees at a glance)
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Naruko-kyo Gorge
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Site of Sendai Castle
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
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Ruins of the Great
East Japan Earthquake:
Sendai Arahama Elementary
School -
Downtown Sendai City
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Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
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Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
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Loople Sendai
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Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
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Sendai Station
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Kataribe taxi
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SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
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Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
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Sendai City Museum
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Sendai Mediatheque