• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Pages of Travel

Travel Blog

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • WORK WITH US
  • DESTINATIONS
  • TRAVEL TIPS
    • THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR
    • PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
    • PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
  • RESOURCES
  • SHOP
Home » Asia

Visiting Okama Crater at Mount Zao in the Tohoku Region of Japan

Created On: July 29, 2021  |  Updated: September 23, 2022  |   Leave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

Table of Contents show
1 Visiting Okama Crater at Mount Zao in Japan
2 Where is Okama Crater?
3 How to Get to Okama Crater and Mount Zao
4 When is the Best Time to Visit Mount Zao?
5 Viewing Okama Crater from Mount Zao
6 Hiking to Okama Crater
6.1 Zao Onsen/Yamagata Trail
6.2 Gaga Onsen/Miyagi Trail

Visiting Okama Crater at Mount Zao in Japan

Situated on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, Mount Zao is one of the most prominent mountains in the Tohoku Region of Japan. While most people gravitate to Zao Onsen for its beautiful winter scenery, it is also a place not to be missed in the late spring, summer, and early fall months. One of the most notable things to do in Zao Onsen during this time is to see the exceptional Okama Crater located at Mount Zao.


Where is Okama Crater?

Okama Crater is a 1,080-meter crater lake that is located within the Zao Mountain range between Goshiki, Kumano, and Katta mountains. It is close to the cities of Zao Onsen, Kaminoyama, and Yamagata or about 1.5 hours by car from Sendai.


How to Get to Okama Crater and Mount Zao 

Japan Road Trip - Rental Car with Budget Japan

GETTING TO OKAMA CRATER BY CAR

When we visited Mount Zao we rented a car for the day so we could enjoy Zao Onsen, Yamagata, and drive up to Okama Crater. Keep in mind that you must have an International Driving Permit in order to rent a car in Japan and it’s best that you feel comfortable driving on the left side of the road. Be sure to also request an automatic vehicle if you don’t drive a manual. 

From late April to early November cars can drive on the Zao Echo Line to one of two parking lots located on the mountain. The first parking lot is free to park and you can take the ski lift to Kattadake peak for 750 yen per person (round-trip) or hike up the remainder of the way which takes about 45 minutes. The second parking lot is just below the Kattadake peak and it costs 550 yen per car to park and is a short 5-10 minute walk from the viewing area of Okama Crater Lake. There are no tolls on the Zao Echo Line but depending on where you drive from, you may incur extra fees from tolls.

READ MORE: A Complete Guide to Driving in Japan

GETTING TO OKAMA CRATER BY TRAIN AND BUS

From Yamagata: Take the JR Yamagata Line from Yamagata Station to Kaminoyama Onsen Station (Approximately 15 minutes, 240 yen). From Kaminoyama Onsen you can take the free shuttle bus (Miyako bus bound for Zao Katta Sancho) to the Kattadake parking lot. The bus ride takes about an hour. Then you can take the Katta Lift towards the top (750 yen per person round trip).

From Miyagi: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroshi Zao Station. There are only two buses that make the journey to Mount Zao so be sure to check the timetable before you go! The journey takes 1.5 hours one-way and costs 1,980 yen.

GETTING TO OKAMA CRATER BY ROPEWAY

If you happen to be traveling from Zao Onsen, another way to get to Okama Crater is by ropeway. The Zao Ropeway operates from Zao Onsen to the upper station and costs 1,500 yen one way or 3,000 yen round trip per person. The only kicker is that once you reach the top of the ropeway you will still have to hike approximately 45 minutes further up Mount Zao to see Okama Crater. But if you are staying in Zao Onsen and are wanting to enjoy the short hike to the top, this is a great way to do so! 


When is the Best Time to Visit Mount Zao?

We visited Mount Zao and Okama Crater in the summer and found it to be the perfect time to visit. Because of the elevation change, it is much cooler at the top of Mount Zao so it’s a great way to escape the summer heat. 

Early fall, such as September and October, is another great time to visit Mount Zao because the temperatures are still nice and you can see more of the steam from Okama Crater and witness autumn foliage changes. Keep in mind that Okama Crater is not accessible by road or ropeway in the winter due to snow and ice.

During the winter if you are a skilled snowshoer or winter hiker you can access Mount Zao by foot but I recommend booking a tour with Sumikawa Snow Park since it’s easier to get lost and sudden snowfall or inclement weather can occur. Although visiting Okama Crater isn’t as easy in the winter, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy around Mount Zao including skiing, snowboarding, and viewing the Juhyo or “snow monsters” which are made from snowfall freezing on alpine trees.


Viewing Okama Crater from Mount Zao

Man with dark hair dressed in a black jacket and black shorts standing in front of Okama Crater from Mt. Zao in Japan.

Okama Crater was formed by a volcanic eruption in the 1720s and is still considered to be an active volcano site to this day. The name Okama comes from the Japanese word for “pot” or “kettle” because the lake within the crater closely resembles a cooking pot! The lake is 1,080 meters wide and 27 meters deep. 

One of the most unique things about Okama Crater is that depending on the time of day you visit the waters may change colors from a milky blue to turquoise, to emerald. Because of this, it is also referred to as Goshikinuma (five-colored pond).

The beautiful bright blue waters are considered to be due to the acidity of the water and before you start thinking of how it might be a nice place to swim, think again! This lake isn’t for swimming. In fact, it cannot even sustain life because of the acidity of the water. Since it is an active volcano site you can’t get much closer than the viewing areas, but it’s the best view possible!

In addition to viewing Okama Crater Lake, you can go to the visitor center to gather more information as well as visit Kattamine Shrine. Because the journey to get to Okama Crater is somewhat lengthy we recommend bringing at least some snacks and water, especially if you’re hiking. However, once you reach the top you’ll notice that there is an onsite restaurant. 


Hiking to Okama Crater

There are many different ways that Okama Crater can be enjoyed. Of course, you can drive or take the bus and chairlift towards the top. But you can also enjoy a shorter, 2.8km (1.7 miles) hike which takes about 45 minutes to the top of the crater viewing area from the first parking lot.

If you are wanting to complete a more strenuous hike there are two routes that allow you to trek from the base of the mountains to Okama Crater.

Zao Onsen/Yamagata Trail

On the Yamagata side of the mountain, you can trek from Zao Onsen to the crater which is roughly 12.3km (7.6 miles) and takes about 3.5 hours. However to shorten the hike you can the Zao Onsen Ropeway to make it around 9.9km (6.2 miles) and roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to hike. 

Gaga Onsen/Miyagi Trail

On the Miyagi side of the mountain, you can trek from Gaga Onsen. ​The route from Gaga Onsen is the longest trail at approximately 14.5km (9 miles). The trail starts at Gaga Onsen and travels over Kumanodake ending at Togatta Peak. This trail is pretty strenuous and takes about four hours one way. Along the trail, you’ll get to enjoy alpine plants and scenery such as azaleas, cherry blossoms, or autumn foliage depending on the season.

For those that are cycling enthusiasts, you can also cycle up and down the mountain. Just be wary of buses and cars on the road plus the steep incline up the mountain. 

Location: Kuraishidakekokuyuchinai-国有林内 Togattaonsen, 蔵王町 刈田郡 Miyagi 989-0916, Japan // MAP
Hours: Around 8am-5pm, sunrise to sunset
Cost:
Free to visit

READ MORE: Important Things to Know When Planning A Trip to Japan

posted in: Asia, Japan, Tohoku

Previous
Visiting Nagoro Doll Village in Iya Valley, Japan
Next
Hiking to Takeda Castle, Japan’s Castle in the Sky

Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply! Cancel reply

Share your thoughts!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Primary Sidebar

Kallsy and Logan - Authors of Pages of Travel.

We're Kallsy and Logan

We are passionate about travel and encouraging others like you to travel more while maximizing vacation days! We love finding a blend of new experiences in urban cities, small towns, and the great outdoors.

More About Us

Get More Travel Inspiration + Tips

When you subscribe to the newsletter!

The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota is where we currently live and call home! This small city boasts a number of unique things to do, a large influence in the arts, beautiful beaches, and amazing restaurants. In this post we share our favorites so you can enjoy them too!

Read This Post

Favorites

  • Computer planning
    Travel Itinerary Planner: How We Plan For Trips
  • Travel Hacking with Credit Card Points
    Travel Hacking 101 – Traveling For Next to Nothing Using Credit Card Points and Miles
  • Blackened grouper with asparagus and fingerling potatoes from Duval's in Sarasota, Florida
    The Best Restaurants Sarasota, Florida
  • Sunset in Maui
    A Massive 7-Day Maui Itinerary & Maui Guide
  • Little Rock State Capitol Building - Little Rock, Arkansas | Things to do in Little Rock
    Historical & Unique Things to Do on A Weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • The Best Beauty Products for Travel

Plan Your Next Trip

Getting into the travel world can be overwhelming, we get it! That’s why we’re here to help you get started on your own journey.

Browse Destinations
Japan. Visit Japan
Resources
Pages of Travel Logo.

About

  • Home
  • Guest Posts
  • Shop Our Favorites
  • Who We Are
  • Work With Us

Resources

  • Plan for a trip
  • The Best Travel Apps
  • Info. For TSA Pre-check
  • DIY Travel First Aid
  • Travel Credit Cards

Destinations

  • Japan Travel Guides
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Arkansas
  • South America
  • United States

Travel Tips

  • Airplane Travel
  • Budget Travel
  • Packing Tips
  • Photography
  • Travel Gear
©2023, Pages of Travel. About Work With Us Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

Get More Travel Inspiration + Tips

When you subscribe to the newsletter!