Aug 5, 2012 - 1 min read

Zao-san's Okama Crater Lake

Contemplate life at the summit of a volcano

By Brian Wood-Koiwa

Community writer

Another close-up view of Okama crater lake

Another pebble and stone shrine with statues

Sulphurous mountainside near Okama crater lake

Lonely but stately torii at Okama crater lake

Yellow-tinted landscape near Okama crater lake

Small Shinto shrine overlooking Okama crater lake

Zao-san (Mount Zao) is a volcano on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures about a 45-minute drive southeast of Yamagata city. It is a popular ski destination, but it is also a pleasant summer/fall getaway. The main attraction is a teal-hued crater lake called Goshikinuma or simply "Okama (bowl)", where you can walk around and take in the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. There are also dozens of makeshift shrines or markers constructed form pebbles and stones as well as a traditional subdued Shinto shrine with a stately wooden torii (gate).

More info

Find out more about Mount Zao.

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By Brian Wood-Koiwa

Community writer

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Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu 12 years ago

The sound "volcano" really scares me but your lovely photos are really inviting, that I couldn't help wanting to go there. They look mystical from these photos.