This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
The Miyagi Zao Eboshi Daffodil Festival is a spot that heralds the arrival of spring in the sacred Zao mountain range of Tohoku
Nearby, there is the famous Togatta Onsen, which is bustling with tourists and those seeking healing, as well as numerous sightseeing, experience, and gourmet spots, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself
This time, we will also introduce tourist spots around Togatta Onsen that can only be enjoyed in the spring. Please read to the end!
600,000 daffodils covering the slopes
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort in Zao National Park is a popular destination for skiers, with its silvery white slopes in winter
As the snow melts in late April, a wide variety of daffodils bloom, covering the entire slopes
Approximately 600,000 daffodils of over 30 different species beautifully cover the entire slope, creating a truly spectacular sight. Why not take a gondola to the top and enjoy a stroll while viewing the flowers?
[2023 Information] As of April 5th, daffodils have begun to bloom!
Press Isen viewing: Saturday, April 8th and Sunday, April 9th
Daffodil viewing: April 14th (Mon)
Admission fee: 700 yen (free for elementary school students and younger)
The observation ropeway will also be operating at the same time. Adults: 1,500 yen, Seniors: 1,200 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students: 800 yen
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort <Information>
Name: Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort
Address: Kuraishidake National Forest, Togatta Onsen, Zao Town, Katta District
TEL 0224-34-4001
Parking: Free parking available (3,800 spaces)
Time 9:00-16:00
Admission fee: 700 yen (free for elementary school students and younger)
Recommended sightseeing spots around Togatta Onsen
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
Togatta Onsen, located near Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort, is one of Miyagi Prefecture's most famous hot springs, having been in operation for 400 years
Located about an hour's drive from Sendai city, there are many tourist spots where you can enjoy hot springs as well as nature and history
Zao Echo Line: A spectacular snow corridor
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
The 26km long "Zao Echo Line" crosses the Zao mountain range from east to west, connecting Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures
On both sides of the road, walls of snow stretch out like a corridor, reaching a height of 9 meters at their highest point
Before the Echo Line opens, a "Snow Wall Walk" will be held, allowing you to view the snow corridor. The highlight is being able to enjoy the impressive snow walls up close to your heart's content!
[2023 information]
"Snow Wall Walk 2023" April 7th - April 10th (Reservations required)
"Zao Echo Line" scheduled to open April 21st (Friday) 11:00
Unfortunately, the Snow Wall Walk has ended this year, but the snow walls often remain even after the Echo Line opens, so you can still enjoy the impressive snow walls while driving
Echo Line <Information>
Name: Zao Echo Line
Address: Zao Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture, Shichikashuku Town, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access: From the Tohoku Expressway "Murata IC" or "Shiroishi IC" take the Zao Echo Line to the Miyagi Prefecture entrance "Otorii" (approx. 25 minutes by car)
For inquiries, please contact: Zao Town Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Division, TEL 0224-33-2215, Zao Town Tourist Information Center, TEL 0224-34-2725
*Winter road closure from early November to late April
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum, located close to Togatta Onsen
Kokeshi dolls are toys made for children in hot springs in the Tohoku region, and there are a total of 11 different types of traditional kokeshi dolls. Five of these types exist in Miyagi Prefecture, and the Togatta type is one of them
The first floor of the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum is an exhibition corner where 5,500 traditional kokeshi dolls and wooden toys from all over Japan are displayed in an easy-to-understand manner by type. Although they may look the same, there are differences in shape and design from region to region, so it will be interesting to compare them
At the painting workshop on the second floor, you can create your own unique kokeshi doll. Kokeshi dolls have a gentle and adorable expression. It's a valuable experience to be able to make your own kokeshi doll, so why not try painting your own kokeshi doll as a memento of your trip?
Togatta Onsen's public baths, "Kami no Yu and Kotobuki no Yu"
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
Most of the water at Togatta Onsen is made up of saline water and sodium sulfate, and its soft quality is said to be effective against neuralgia, rheumatism, and gynecological disorders
There are two public baths where you can easily enjoy the hot waters of Togatta Onsen: "Kaminoyu" (God's Bath) and "Kotobukinoyu" (Long-Long Life Bath)
"Kami no Yu" has two baths, one for men and one for women: a mild bath and a hot bath
Kotobuki no Yu, which features a charming exterior, is a reproduction of a bathhouse from the Edo period, built by master carpenters. Kotobuki no Yu is open from 6am and has a very hot spring water temperature of 68°C
*Please note that Kami-no-Yu and Kotobuki-no-Yu are public baths and do not provide soap, shampoo, etc
Business hours: 6:00-9:30 (reception closes) 16:00-19:30 (reception closes)
Bathing fee: 400 yen for adults, 150 yen for elementary school students and younger
Google Map
[God's Bath]
[Kotobuki no Yu]
Let's visit Miyagi Zao in spring
In spring in Zao, the contrast between the remaining snow on the Zao mountain range and the approximately 600,000 daffodils blooming all over the slopes is stunning. You can enjoy a drive along the Zao Echo Line while admiring the snow walls until around mid-May each year. After your drive, it's also nice to take a dip in Togatta Onsen or take a walk around the hot spring area!
There are many accommodations around Togatta Onsen town, so you can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. Why not try enjoying an extraordinary experience of coming into contact with nature and history while refreshing in the hot springs?
A housewife writer born and raised in Fukushima. Her favorite food is freshly harvested hard peaches from Fukushima. Her favorite things are driving and gourmet food. She would be happy if she could share the charm of Tohoku.
