drive

[Miyagi] Autumn drive on the Zao Echo Line is the perfect way to enjoy the autumn leaves and fruits!

The fine weather of autumn makes you want to go on an active drive. Seeing the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves is a great feeling.
For this reason, the Zao Echo Line is overwhelmingly popular for autumn drives in Miyagi Prefecture. Even if you've never been there before, why not give it a go this fall?

What is Zao anyway?


Zao is a mountain range that straddles Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures and is counted as part of the Ou Mountains. It is about 800 meters above sea level and hot springs are found in the surrounding area

The biggest attraction in Zao is Okama, a volcanic lake on Mount Zao's Goshikidake.
The emerald green lake surface changes color depending on the time of day, revealing a variety of different faces.

How do I get to Okama?


If you go to Zao, be sure to head to Okama. You can get there quickly by taking the Zao High Line from the Zao Echo Line, but since it's a single road, it often gets congested during the autumn foliage season

Zao Echo Line is also famous as a spot to view autumn leaves. In addition to beech and oak trees, alpine plants unique to Mount Zao grow abundantly, allowing you to enjoy the autumn foliage that is unique to Zao.
Also, Sankai Falls and Fudo Falls, which have been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls, are worth seeing for their beautiful contrast between the abundant water and the autumn leaves.

The autumn leaves are spectacular, but the winter tree tours are also very popular. One of the great things about Zao is that you can enjoy different charms in each season

INFORMATION

name Okama
address Kuraishidake National Forest, Togatta Onsen, Zao Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916
telephone number 0224-33-2215
URL http://www.town.zao.miyagi.jp/kankou/guide/look.html
GOOGLE MAP

There's plenty of gourmet food! What's your favorite food in Zao?


Zao is often featured for its natural beauty, but it also has many famous foods. Many people buy "Zao Cheese" as a souvenir, made from the milk of cows raised on the Nanakahara Plateau at the foot of Mount Zao
Similarly, the soft serve ice cream and pudding are also famous, and their just the right amount of sweetness will soothe your body after a long day of walking

From summer to autumn, fruit harvesting is also in full swing, including blueberries, pears, and apples. There are also farms where you can pick fruit, so why not give it a try?

INFORMATION

name Nanakahara Plateau
address 251-4 Nanakahara, Togatta Onsen, Zao-cho, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916
telephone number 0224-34-3311
URL –
GOOGLE MAP

If you get tired, relax in the hot springs


There are many hot springs in Zao, but the most famous is Togatta Onsen
This hot spring has a history of over 400 years and is said to be effective for neuralgia and rheumatism. It is perfect for a day trip as it has easy-to-use facilities such as a public bath and foot bath made from Aomori cypress

INFORMATION

name Togatta Hot Springs
address Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0916
telephone number 0224-33-2211
URL http://www.town.zao.miyagi.jp/kankou/guide/stay.html
GOOGLE MAP

summary

The more you know about Zao, the more you'll realize it's the perfect spot for an autumn drive. With everything from sightseeing to gourmet food and hot springs, you can enjoy Zao even more by staying overnight.
The peak of Zao's autumn leaves is said to be from early to late October. Now is the perfect time to visit, so why not go with your family or partner?

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles