Zao Town

Zao Town is situated in southwestern Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku region, Japan, at the eastern foot of the Zao Mountain Range near Yamagata Prefecture.

Zao Town is a year-round destination. Visit in spring/summer for lush greenery and trekking, autumn (Oct-Nov) for vibrant foliage along Zao Echo Line, and winter (Dec-Mar) for skiing and snow monsters.

You can take a direct highway bus from Sendai Station to Togatta Onsen, or take the JR Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao Station and transfer to a local bus or rental car.

Key attractions include the emerald Okama Crater Lake, the historic Togatta Onsen town, Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort, and the Zao Cheese Center.

No. The access roads (Zao Echo Line and Zao High Line) are closed during winter from early November to late April due to heavy snowfall.

Zao Town is renowned for fresh Zao dairy products (cheese, milk, ice cream), Zao beef dishes, and traditional handcrafted Kokeshi dolls as souvenirs.

A 1-to-2-day trip is recommended. Staying overnight at a local ryokan in Togatta Onsen allows you to fully enjoy the hot springs and cuisine.

Togatta Onsen is a historic hot spring village with over 400 years of history, famous for its therapeutic waters, public foot baths, and traditional Kokeshi craft culture.

Yes. Families can enjoy cheese-making workshops at Zao Cheese Center, visit animal farms, and participate in winter sports at family-friendly ski resorts.

The Togatta Onsen area is the best place to stay, offering a wide selection of traditional Japanese ryokans and modern hotels with hot spring facilities.