The area popularly known as Mt. Zao (Zao-zan or Zao-san 蔵王山 1841m) is actually a range of volcanic peaks straddling the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. Included as one of the 100 famous mountains, most hikers head for Mt. Kumano, which at 1841 meters is the highest peak and offers spectacular views over much of the southern Tohoku region.
Proximity to the cities of Yamagata and Sendai, and a convenient ski resort and ropeway ensure that Zao is popular with visitors throughout the year. A summer highlight would be the beautiful Okama crater lake, which is famous for changing colors depending on the weather. In midwinter, the forest of snow monsters is the big attraction – trees distorted into bizarre shapes by a combination of heavy snow and freezing winds.
(Text by Alastair Bourne)