[Miyagi] Autumn driving is all about Zao Echo Line! Enjoy autumn leaves and fruits to the fullest

Autumn's nice weather makes you want to drive actively.
It feels great when you can see the beautiful scenery colored by the autumn leaves. For this reason, the Zao Echo Line is overwhelmingly popular for autumn driving in Miyagi Prefecture. Even if you've never been there before, why not try driving there this fall?

First of all, what is Zao?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mami (@mami512a)

Zao is a mountain range that straddles Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, and is counted as one of the Ou Mountains. It is approximately 800m above sea level, and hot springs gush out in the surrounding area.

The biggest attraction in Zao is Okama, a volcanic lake located on Mount Zao Goshiki.
The emerald green surface of the lake changes color depending on the time, revealing a variety of faces.

How can I get to Okama?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Miyagi (@visitmiyagi)

If you go to Zao, be sure to visit Okama. You can get there quickly by entering the Zao High Line from the Zao Echo Line, but since it is a single road, traffic is often congested during the autumn foliage season.

Zao Echo Line is also famous as a spot for viewing autumn leaves.
In addition to beech and oak trees, alpine plants unique to Mt. Zao grow here, and you can enjoy the autumn leaves that are unique to Zao. In addition, Sangai Falls and Fudo Falls, which have been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, are worth seeing for their beautiful contrast between the abundant water and autumn leaves.

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

INFORMATION

Lots of gourmet food too! What is the best food in Zao?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aya (@ayaya374)

Although Zao is often talked about for its natural beauty, it also has many famous foods. Many people buy ``Zao Cheese'' as a souvenir, which is made from the milk of cows raised on the Nanokahara Plateau at the foot of Mt. 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 walk.

From summer to fall, fruits such as blueberries, pears, and apples are harvested. There is also a farm where you can pick fruit, so be sure to give it a try.

INFORMATION

If you're tired, relax in a hot spring

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shinya Nagaoka (@from_yamagata)

There are various 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 good for neuralgia and rheumatism. There are also facilities that you can easily use, such as a public bath made of Aomori Hiba wood and a footbath, so it's perfect for a day trip.

INFORMATION

summary

The more you know about it, the more you realize that Zao is the perfect spot for an autumn drive.
It has everything from sightseeing to gourmet food to hot springs, so you'll be able to enjoy Zao even more if you stay overnight. The peak of autumn leaves in Zao is said to be from early to late October. Now is the season, so be sure to go out with your family or lover.