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

Autumn, with its pleasant weather, makes you want to go for an active drive. Seeing the beautiful scenery painted in autumn colors is truly uplifting.
For this reason, the Zao Echo Line is overwhelmingly popular for autumn drives within Miyagi Prefecture. Even if you've never been there before, why not take a drive there this autumn?

What is Zao anyway?

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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 located on Mount Zao Goshiki.
The emerald green surface of the lake changes color depending on the time of day, showing a variety of faces.

How do I get to Okama?

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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

The Zao Echo Line is also famous as a spot for viewing autumn foliage. In addition to beech and oak trees, the area is covered with alpine plants unique to Mount Zao, allowing you to enjoy the autumn colors that are unique to Zao.
Furthermore, the "Sankai Falls" and "Fudo Falls," which are selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls, offer a beautiful contrast between the abundant water and the autumn leaves and are well worth seeing.

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

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

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Zao is often featured for its natural beauty, but it also has many famous foods. Zao cheese, made from the milk of cows raised on the Nanokahara Plateau at the foot of Mount Zao, is a popular souvenir.
Similarly, soft serve ice cream and pudding are also famous, and their just-right sweetness will soothe your body after a tiring walk.

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?

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If you get tired, relax in the hot springs

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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

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summary

The more you learn about Zao, the more you realize it's the perfect spot for an autumn drive. With everything from sightseeing and gourmet food to hot springs, staying overnight will allow you to fully enjoy Zao.
The peak of the autumn foliage in Zao is said to be from early to late October. Now is the perfect time to visit, so be sure to go with your family or loved one.