The Zao Okama Crater Traverse crosses the ridgeline between Jizo-dake (1,736m) and Kumano-dake (1,841m) in the Zao mountain range straddling the Yamagata-Miyagi border, overlooking the turquoise Okama crater lake at roughly 1,700m. The shortest approach starts from the Jizo Sancho ropeway station, reached via the Zao Ropeway from Zao Onsen (Sanroku to Juhyo-Kogen to Jizo Sancho), cutting the round trip to about 5km and 90-120 minutes one-way; hikers starting from Zao Onsen on foot face a longer 12.3km round trip. The ridge trail is rocky and volcanic underfoot, with loose gravel sections, and is almost entirely exposed above the treeline, offering no shade and significant wind exposure along the crater rim. There is minimal technical difficulty but real fall exposure on the narrower stretches near the crater edge, particularly in high wind or fog. Landmarks include the Zao Jizo-son stone statue at Jizo Sancho, the Okama crater lake viewpoint partway along the ridge, and the Kumano-dake shrine at the traverse's far point, which also serves as a natural turn-around for a shorter out-and-back hike. There are no water sources or shelters once past the ropeway station buildings, so hikers should carry all the water and layers they need for the traverse.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Zao mountain range, Yamagata City, on the Yamagata-Miyagi border
- Best season
- Late May to late October for hiking; alpine flora peaks in July-August
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Windproof and rain layers (the ridge is exposed)
- 2 litres of water
- Sun protection
- Ropeway ticket if using the Jizo Sancho approach
Location
Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station, 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata 990-2301, Japan
38.1258, 140.4172 View on map
Highlights
- Okama crater lake, a volcanic caldera lake that shifts color with the light
- Exposed ridge walk between Jizo-dake and Kumano-dake summits
- Zao Jizo-son stone statue at the Jizo Sancho ropeway station
- Kumano-dake shrine at the far end of the traverse
- Zao Ropeway access shortening the climb from Zao Onsen
Tips for visiting
- Use the Zao Ropeway from Zao Onsen to Jizo Sancho to cut the hike to roughly 5km round trip
- Bring windproof and rain layers; the ridge is fully exposed with no shade or windbreak
- Turn back at the Okama crater viewpoint or Kumano-dake shrine if wind or fog reduces visibility
- Carry at least 2 litres of water, as there is no source once past the ropeway station
- Check ropeway operating hours before setting out, since the last descent has a fixed cutoff time
When to visit
Late May through late October is hikeable, with July-August bringing peak alpine flora; visitors should aim for clear mornings, since the exposed ridge can close in with fog or wind by afternoon.
Accessibility
The route is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, with a rocky, exposed ridge trail beyond the ropeway station; the Jizo Sancho ropeway station itself and its immediate viewing area are step-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to hike the full 12.3km route to see the crater lake?
No, taking the Zao Ropeway to Jizo Sancho reduces the trip to about a 5km round-trip walk along the ridge to view the Okama crater lake.
Is the ridge traverse exposed to wind?
Yes, the trail runs almost entirely above the treeline with little shelter, so windproof and rain layers are recommended even in summer.
What is the best time to see the Okama crater lake's color?
The lake's color is most vivid on clear days between late May and October, with July and August also bringing peak alpine wildflowers along the ridge.
Is there a shorter turn-around point than Kumano-dake?
The Okama crater viewpoint partway along the ridge makes a reasonable turn-around for hikers who want the crater views without completing the full traverse to Kumano-dake.