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
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More Information about Zao Okama crater lake
Street address
- Kuraishidake Kokuyuchinai, Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi
Access
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Route1
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[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.
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[From Yamagata Station]
Route2
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[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
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[From Sendai Station]
Opening Hours
- From sunrise to sunset
Closed
- Early Nov. to late Apr.
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.9.2025

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Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine
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Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Sendai Arahama Elementary School
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Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
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Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
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Downtown Sendai City
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Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
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Sendai Station
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Ishinomori Manga Museum
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Bar hopping in Iroha Yokocho
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Otaka-Mori
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The Nikka Whisky Sendai Miyagikyo Distillery
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GREAT DANE BREWING
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Urakasumi Sake Brewery
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Discovery Center
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SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
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Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
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Sagakei Gorge
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Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
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Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
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Rinno-ji Temple
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Loople Sendai
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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
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Yajiro Kokeshi Village
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Naruko-kyo Gorge
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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
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Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
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Kirin Brewery Sendai
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Sendai Daikannon
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Sushitetsu
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Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
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Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
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Site of Sendai Castle
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Sendai City Museum
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Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
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Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
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Jozenji-dori Ave.
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Sendai Mediatheque
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
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