The following landscape information refers to the municipality of Zaō Town, not necessarily to the location of this accommodation. It lies in southwestern Miyagi Prefecture, on the eastern foothills of the Zao Mountains. Around 60 percent of this municipality consists of forest and wasteland. The Matsukawa runs through the center of Zaō Town and shapes a gorge landscape there.

Mountain Scenery from Winter to Spring

In the municipality of Zaō Town, the western part of the municipal area lies within Zao Quasi-National Park. If you need protected-area boundaries for planning in the municipality, check the current official maps. In the municipality of Zaō Town, Zao’s snow monsters usually form from December and reach their peak in February; the specific conditions for seeing them vary from year to year.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park offers the winter tour “みやぎ蔵王の樹氷めぐりツアー”. The tour includes a ride in the heated snow vehicle “ワイルドモンスター号”. A dedicated guide accompanies visitors as they view the ice and snow formations on the trees up close. Check the current dates and reservation options for the tour in advance.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, cherry trees line the Matsukawa Cycling Road in spring, while snow still lies on the Zao Mountains. The contrast between the spring blossoms along the route and the snow on the mountains makes the seasonal change visible.

Trails and Views

In the municipality of Zaō Town, the Zao/Togatta Onsen walking trail passes the shops on Zao-dori Shopping Street and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Zao peaks and the hot spring district. In Togatta Onsen in the municipality of Zaō Town, you can reach the riverside Matsukawa Cycling Road from Kokeshi Bridge. The walking trail leads to a viewpoint; the route from Kokeshi Bridge to the cycling road offers a different reference point for planning a walk or bike ride.

Togatta Onsen and Kokeshi Crafts

In the municipality of Zaō Town, Togatta Onsen has a history of more than 400 years, dating back to the opening of its hot spring. This major hot spring resort in Zaō Town is visited by many tourists and spa guests every year. Togatta Kokeshi is also a distinctive part of the regional craft tradition: Kokeshi is a craft that developed in the Tōhoku region.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, the permanent exhibition at the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum comprises 5,500 items. These include traditional Togatta Kokeshi, other regional Kokeshi and wooden toys. The Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum also offers Kokeshi painting workshops; check their current availability in advance. Souvenirs are available in the museum gift shop in the municipality; check current availability before your visit.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, Kokeshi no Sato is a historic settlement of woodworkers. The Koretaka Shrine in Zaō Town is dedicated to the ancestors of the woodworkers. Another tradition in the municipality is Zao pottery, made from clay from Zao. Woodcraft and pottery represent different cultural themes.

Fruit, Cheese and Outdoor Experiences

Fukuda Orchard sells fruit directly, including pears from the municipality of Zaō Town, offered by the growers themselves. Pears, apples, peaches and blueberries can also be picked in the municipality of Zaō Town. The fruit-picking season in the municipality runs from July to October. As conditions may vary by farm and booking, check the current fruit-picking options before your visit.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, Zao Dairy Center Cheese Cabin is a farm shop next to a dairy, where you can sample Zao Cheese. The Cheese Cabin’s operating details may change, so check in advance. Zao Heartland is an approximately 100-hectare ranch in the municipality of Zaō Town, where visitors can meet animals such as goats and make dairy products at the “Handicraft Experience Center”. Check current operating conditions before traveling there as well.

In the municipality of Zaō Town, each season has its own highlights: snow monsters define winter, cherry trees appear along the Matsukawa Cycling Road in spring against the still snow-covered mountains, and fruit picking is possible from July to October. If you are looking for a hotel in Zao, first decide when you would like to travel. The seasonal activities in the municipality of Zaō Town are a separate planning consideration; check current conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Taiwa, Sendai, Shiogama, Watari, Kami District, Matsushima, Ishinomaki, Kesennuma

For the broader travel overview: Miyagi Prefecture.