宮城県・蔵王町観光協会


It's one of the most beautiful natural places in the eastern part of Japan,Miyagi Zao.A symbol of Zao is "Okama", a deep blue and very mysterious lake. It has an irresistible appeal. From spring to fall alpine plants bloom all over the place.The beautiful nature impresses the people who visit Miyagi Zao throughout the year.

・・・SPRING

In spring, the quasinational park Zao, with snow melting, trees and grasses begin to bud. In the middle of April peach, pear and rape blossoms bloom.These are named "three sisters in spring" , and are also very poplular in Zao as delicious foods. The flowers give a beautiful sight to visitors.

・・・SUMMER

As mountains are covered with fresh green leaves, and alpine plants bloom. it's an exciting summer in Zao. Green leaves and streams under the brilliant sunshine bring us a refreshing season.In Sumikawa, there are some waterfalls, "Fudotaki" and "Sankaitaki".They are selected as two of Japan's 100 most beautiful waterfalls and cool and resfresh us.

・・・AUTUMN

In fall Mt.Zao changed color, like it's wearing a beautiful kimono. Around the Echo Line some of the maple trees turn red and others trun yellow.During October trees in Sumikawa,Akiyamazawa are a great sight. And it's the harvest season, so we can enjoy gathering mushurooms and picking apples and pears.

・・・WINTER

It's famous for the snow monsters of Zao, just like an art work produced by frozen wind-swept snow covering the trees.Eboshi,Sumikawa are skiing grounds, so skiers can enjoy skiing on powder snow.All levels of skiers can enjoy skiing and snoboarding.Tohgatta Spa and some lodges are near the ski pistes so we can enjoy a hot spiring or staying there after skiing.

From spring to fall, Zao is a wonderful place to enjoy playing some sports or camping. In Zao, there are nice places for playing tennis, playing ground,and very nice hiking routes.

In Sumikawa, Akiyamazawa,Koaderazawa,we can enjoy fishing. We can enjoy refreshing air in the forest, there are many kinds of birds. In winter Eboshi skiing ground is very poplular for skiing, near the Eboshi skiing ground. there is a hot spring.

There are many traditional festivals and modern events in Tohgatta. An example of this is the Kokeshi dolls house(A selection of traditional art work in dolls from around Japan).In winter is Dontosai, the gathering and burning of new year charms.Summer sees the "Bonodori", a parade of half-naked men and kimonoed women who pray and revere the deceased and drive away evil spirits.