Zaō Quasi-National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the Miyagi region of Japan, Zaō Quasi-National Park is a picturesque destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. This national park, located in Yamagata, showcases the stunning landscapes of the region, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

One of the park's main attractions is the majestic Mt. Zaō, a dormant volcano that stands tall at 1,841 meters. The mountain is famous for its "snow monsters," or "juhyo" in Japanese, which are formed when heavy snowfall and strong winds create ice formations on the trees. These snow-covered trees resemble eerie creatures, creating a surreal and enchanting winter wonderland. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Zaō to witness this breathtaking spectacle and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Aside from its natural wonders, Zaō Quasi-National Park also offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. During the warmer months, visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden waterfalls. The park is also known for its hot springs, offering a serene and relaxing experience amidst the beautiful scenery.

For those interested in cultural experiences, a visit to the nearby town of Yamagata is highly recommended. This historic town is known for its traditional crafts, such as lacquerware and silk textiles. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in workshops and witnessing the craftsmanship firsthand. The town is also home to several temples and shrines, providing a glimpse into Japan's rich religious heritage.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Zaō Quasi-National Park is renowned for its local cuisine. The region is famous for its delicious cherries and apples, which are grown in the fertile valleys surrounding the park. Visitors can indulge in these fresh and flavorful fruits, as well as other traditional dishes that showcase the region's culinary delights.

Local name: 蔵王国定公園 Established: 1963 (61 years ago)Area: 153.03 mi²Elevation: 3570 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°5'28"N, 140°26'24"E

Location

MiyagiJapan

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Zaō Quasi-National Park Top Attractions

Zaō Quasi-National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Zaō Quasi-National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Zaō, Sankai Falls, Zaō Onsen, Zaō Ropeway. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Mount Zaō
The Zaō Mountains, commonly called Mount Zaō, are a complex cluster of stratovolcanoes on the border between Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture in Japan. The central volcano of the group includes several lava domes and a tuff cone, Goshiki-dake, which contains a crater lake named "Okama".
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Sankai Falls
Sankai Falls is a waterfall in Zaō, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, in on the Sumikawa River. It is one of "Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls", in a listing published by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment in 1990.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hot springs
Zaō Onsen
Zaō Onsen is a famous hot spring area on Mount Zaō in the northern part of Honshū, the main island of Japan.

Aerial tramway
Zaō Ropeway
The Zaō Ropeway is the name of Japanese aerial lift system, as well as its operator. The route, consisting of two lines, climbs Mount Zaō at Zaō Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata. The lines transport skiers of Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort and rime spectators in winter, tourists and mountain climbers in summer.
Dam
Surikamigawa Dam
Surikamigawa Dam is a rock-fill dam built on the Surikami River in the Moniwa area of Iizaka, Fukushima, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It was opened in 2006 and is administered by the Tohoku Regional Bureau Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Neighbourhood
Katta District
Katta is a district located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. As of 2003, the district has an estimated population of 15,266 and a population density of 36.71 persons per km². The total area is 415.85 km².

Day trips

Zaō Quasi-National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Zaō Quasi-National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Yama-dera (Yamagata), Fukushima Race Course (Fukushima), Goshiki-numa (Bandai-Asahi National Park).

15 milesN
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Yama-dera, Yamagata
Perched on the mountainside in the scenic city of Yamagata, Japan, lies the serene and historic site of Yama-dera, a Buddhist temple complex that has inspired pilgrims, poets, and travelers for over a millennium. Known formally as Risshaku-ji, this temple, whose name...
23 milesS
Horse track, Gambling, Sport venue
Fukushima Race Course, Fukushima
Fukushima Race Course is a notable destination for horse racing enthusiasts in the city of Fukushima, Japan. This racecourse offers a blend of excitement and tradition, providing a unique experience for visitors interested in the sport of kings.
36 milesSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Goshiki-numa, Bandai-Asahi National Park
Goshiki-numa, a hidden gem nestled within the lush landscapes of the Bandai-Asahi National Park in Japan, is a series of five volcanic lakes known for their stunning and diverse colors. Literally translating to "Five Colored Ponds," these lakes captivate visitors with...
28 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Kobo Park Miyagi, Sendai
Kobo Park Miyagi, nestled in the vibrant city of Sendai, Japan, is a premier sports venue that has become a staple for baseball enthusiasts and event-goers alike. Serving as the proud home of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, a professional baseball team in Japan's...
29 milesNE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Yurtec Stadium Sendai, Sendai
Yurtec Stadium Sendai is a dynamic sports venue located in the heart of Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan. Built in 1997, the stadium is primarily used for football and serves as the home ground for the Vegalta Sendai team, which competes in the J1...