Zao Echo Line
Experience the Majestic Zao Echo Line
Okama Crater: Zao's Emerald Eye
Witness the mesmerizing, ever-changing colors of Okama Crater, a volcanic jewel nestled in the peaks of Mount Zao. A natural wonder to behold.
Okama Crater, also known as the 'Five Color Pond,' is a stunning volcanic crater lake on Mount Zao, straddling the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. Its vibrant, ever-changing colors and dramatic setting make it a must-see natural wonder.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Okama
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Togattaonsen, 倉石岳国有林内 蔵王の御釜, Zaō, Togattaonsen, Katta District, Miyagi, 989-0916, JP
Monday
9 am-5 pm
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Car
From Sendai, drive approximately 90 minutes via the Tohoku Expressway to Murata IC, then follow the signs for Zao Echo Line. From Yamagata, take the Zao Echo Line towards the mountain. Note that the Zao Echo Line is typically open from late April to early November. The final few hundred meters to the parking lot near the crater require using the Zao High Line toll road, costing ¥550 per car for a round trip. Parking is available near the summit.
Public Transport
From Yamagata Station, take the JR Yamagata Line to Kaminoyama Onsen Station (approx. 15 minutes, ¥240). From Kaminoyama Onsen, a free shuttle bus (Miyako bus bound for Zao Katta Sancho) runs to the Kattadake parking lot (approx. 1 hour). Then, take the Zao-Katta ski lift towards the top (¥750 round trip). From Shiroishi-Zao Station, take the bus to Zao-Katta Sancho (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥1960 one way). From the bus stop or ski lift, it's a short walk to the viewing platform.
Local tips
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Check the weather forecast before you go; Okama is often obscured by clouds, especially during the early morning.
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The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn when the roads are open and the colors are most vibrant.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the crater's viewing platforms.
Discover more about Okama
Okama Crater, nestled atop Mount Zao, is a breathtaking testament to nature's artistry. Formed in the 1720s by a volcanic eruption, this caldera lake is renowned for its mesmerizing colors, earning it the nickname 'Goshiki-numa' or 'Five Color Pond'. The water's hue shifts dramatically with the seasons, weather, and even the angle of sunlight, creating a captivating spectacle that ranges from turquoise to emerald green.
Located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, Okama boasts a circumference of roughly 1,080 meters and a depth of 27 meters. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of Mount Katta, Mount Goshiki, and Mount Kumano, adding to its dramatic setting. The water's high acidity prevents any aquatic life, contributing to its otherworldly appearance.
Visitors can reach Okama via the Zao Echo Line, a scenic mountain road that offers stunning views. While the crater is inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall (typically from early November to late April), the journey to witness this natural wonder is well worth it during the warmer months. Be sure to check weather conditions before visiting, as the crater may be obscured by clouds.
A brief summary to Okama
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