Secret Epic Hike in Japan: Mount Zao, Okama Crater
When speaking of Japan, an image Mount Fuji comes to mind for many people. This famous mountain receives over 300,000 visitors every year who desire to challenge the grand climb to the top. While definitely a great expedition for nature lovers, Mount Fuji is not the only epic hike in Japan. Today, I share a secret gem for hikers in the Tohoku region: Mount Zao, Okama crater!
What is it
Mount Zao (蔵王山) is a volcanic mountain range on the prefectural border between Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures in the Tohoku region of Japan. The Okama(御釜) is a beautiful crater lake at the top of the mountain. It is also called Goshikinuma (五色沼) which means “lake of five colors”. With enchanting emerald green water, the view of the lake is absolutely surreal. At the foot of the Zaomountain is ZaoOnsen, a hot spring town that offers many bathhouses and hotels with the some of the best acidic thermal water. A perfect place for relaxation. All of this makes Zao a wonderful weekend get away.
When to go
The hike to Okama is available from spring to autumn. Zaomountain is covered in beautiful flora in the spring and colorful leaves in autumn. I visited during mid August and was blessed with great views of lush green trees. I got lucky with a day of nice mild weather and my view of the crater lake was simply one of the most stunning places I have ever seen.
**Note: The Okama is not available for visit during the winter due to weather and safety. However, there is another reason to visit when it gets cold! In the winter, ZaoOnsen turns into an amazing ski resort, where many people come for the high quality skiing. Also, they come to see Zao’s famous “snow monsters”, trees covered in snow and ice giving them the appearance of a monster.
Access
There are a couple ways to get there. My suggestion is to get to ZaoOnsen town first, stay overnight, and allot a whole day for the great hike.
For those with a car, the drive to ZaoOnsen is about 5 hours from Tokyo.
For those traveling by public transport, you can get to ZaoOnsen from Yamagata JR station by bus. Take the Yamagata to ZaoOnsen bus (山形～蔵王温泉線), which takes about 40 minutes. Yamagata station is about 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train.
From ZaoOnsen, take the Zao Ropeway to its upper station (1500 yen one way, 2600 yen round trip). The view is already incredible.
From the ropeway station, the hike take about an hour to 1.5 hour (depending on your speed) to the summit where you are rewarded with the sight of the crater lake.
The climb is challenging at times but epic throughout. Look below for some photos and tips!
Photos of the hike
The Buddhaat the beginning of the trail. Praying for a successful journey and health.
Started with wooden board walks…
The path turned to difficult rocks.
Sign pointing the way
Want a short cut? Climb up these boulders!
Japanese elderlies walking with ease on this difficult terrain. How are they so strong??
On the top of the world!
FINALLY HERE!
JUST WOW!
Best Tips
Stay overnight at the ZaoOnsen
It’s a bit ambitious to come from out of town, do the Okama hike, and move on in the same day. It is possible but would be exhausting. There are many hotels in ZaoOnsen where you can stay and experience the famous hot spring baths that promise to relax you and treat you to beautifying your skin. When I visited Zao, I stayed in TakamiyaRurika Resort. It was a nice hotel that offered delicious Japanese style dinner and breakfast. Their bath was also wonderful. The best part is that the hotel is located right in front of the Zao Ropeway, giving us the best access on the day of our hike.
Dress for the hike
Make sure you have sturdy shoes, a raincoat, and warm clothing. When my partner and I did this hike, we didn’t really know what we were in for. As mentioned, the hike gets quite difficult at times. Many hikers we passed along the way were fully decked out in gears like hiking boots and walking sticks. I wish we knew! Also, it can get quite chilly up in the mountains so long sleeves clothing and a jacket is necessary.
Bring enough water and snacks
The hike is very tiring and by the time you get to the top, you will need an energy boost guaranteed. We made this mistake as well. All we brought on our hike was a rice ball, a banana, some water and two bottles of beers. We enjoyed it while sitting near the lake nonetheless but man do I wish we brought more food!
Have you ever visited Mount Zao and the Okama crater in Japan? What other secret epic hikes in Japan do you know?