The Zaō Mountains (蔵王連峰, Zaō Renpō), commonly called Mount Zaō, are a complex cluster of stratovolcanoes on the border between Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture in Japan. The central volcano of the group includes several lava domes and a tuff cone, Goshiki-dake, which contains a crater lake named "Okama".

Situated on the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, Mount Zao is perhaps more accurately referred to as the Zao Mountains or Zaō Renpō as they are a cluster of stratovolcanoes and among the most active volcanoes in all of Japan.

Mount Zao (蔵王山, Zaōsan) is a volcanic mountain range on the prefectural border between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures in the Tohoku Region. On the Yamagata side, the hot spring town of Zao Onsen offers some of the country's most acidic thermal waters.

Feb 11, 2025 · When to visit Zao Onsen? Zao Onsen is a 365-day destination, with juh-yo or “snow monsters” in the winter, and hiking at Okama Crater in the summer. Early June is an especially underrated time to visit. This is because (at least at ground level, below Mt. Zao), Yamagata’s famous, sweet cherries will be ready for harvest.

Jun 2, 2020 · Mount Zao is an active volcano that straddles the border of Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures. At a towering 1,841 meters, it is one of Tohoku’s tallest mountains. A stunning crater lake lies at its summit. The crater is called Okama due to its resemblance to a large cooking pot.

Straddling the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, Mount Zao is home to one of Tohoku’s best ski resorts. The picturesque surrounding area boasts rejuvenating hot springs, and delicious locally produced cheese.

Straddling the borders of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, Zao-san, or the Zao Renpo as they are known, is a group of volcanic peaks making up the Zao Quasi-National Park along the Ou Mountains in the northern Tohoku region.

Zao is an old onsen town, with three public baths and four outdoor rotenburo baths. Zao has no major hotel. The large-scale ski resort sandwiched between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures offers 26 ski slopes and courses open from late December to the end of April.

Nov 30, 2011 · There are three areas – Zao North, Zao Middle and Zao South – but the main hiking area lies in Zao Chuo (Middle Zao) where the Kumano Peak and the Okama Crater Lake can be found. Symbol of the park is the large Okama Crater Lake.

Jul 16, 2008 · Mt. Zao is one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, and home of the famous ‘snow monsters’. In summer, it’s an easy stroll via a picturesque volcanic lake, and the hot springs at the base of the mountain are an added bonus to help rejuvenate tired muscles.