Mt. Zao - The Most Popular Tourist Destination in Yamagata

Mt. Zao is the most famous tourist place in Yamagata prefecture. The name of the mountain would be more familiar than Yamagata itself to people.

The main attraction of the mountain is a crater with a lake at the mountain top.  It’s called “Okama” (= cooking pot) by its shape.  Very spectacular view.

The Zao area is also famous for “Onsen” (= hot springs). The quality of hot water is very good for your skin and keep it beautiful. 　The area becomes the capital of skiers and snowboarders in the winter. 

Zao shows you various faces all the year around and you can enjoy any of them anytime you visit.

FYI:

• About Okama: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7929.html
• Zao Tourist Asocciation : http://www.zao-machi.com/category/english
• Zao Onsen: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7928.html
• Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort: http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html

Okama

Trail by Okama

Top of the Mt. Zao.
Better prepare a light jacket. It's cold even in the middle of Summer.

Top of the Mt. Zao

There was a small shrine on the top.