Nature Spots in Zao / Shiroishi Area
Area
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- Miyagi
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Category
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- Lake Okama
- Travel / Tourism
- Zao-cho, Kariya-gun, Miyagi prefecture
- Lake Okama is a round crater lake on Goshikidake Peak in the Zao Range, and it is a famous scenic spot, considered a symbolic place in the Goshiki Zao region. It is surrounded by three peaks, Zao Karitadake Peak, Kumanodake Peak, and Goshikidake Peak, and it derives its name, which means “kettle,” due to its shape. Due to the concentration of sulfur and other chemicals in the water, the surface of the lake can take on a turquoise or emerald green color, creating a mystic landscape. This lake is unique among the world’s lakes in that it has multiple temperature layers, with the water hotter at certain depths. Due to the acidity of the water, no living organisms inhabit the lake.
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- Mt. Kattadake (Mt. Zao)
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Prefecture
- A mountain located on the border between Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture. This is the third highest mountain in the Zao Mountain Range with an altitude of 1,758 meters. The Zao High Line mountain toll road is open from the end of April to the beginning of November, making it possible to drive up close to the summit. From the end of October until the official closing date, it's impassable at night, too. Kattamine-jinja Shrine's mountain sanctuary is on the summit, as well as a stone monument in recognition of Date Munetaka's great achievements; he prayed here at the time of a large eruption. There's also a view of Okama crater lake at Mt. Goshikidake just a five-minute walk from the parking lot. The color of the water changes dramatically depending on the weather.
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- Lake Choro
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Pref. Kattagunshichikashukumachi Elder
- A 50 minute drive from the Shiroishi interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. This two kilometer in circumference lake is situated 500 meters above sea level at the foot of Mt. Fubo, part of the Zao Mountain Range. The lake's clear blue surface famously reflects Mt. Fubo like a mirror. Broadleaf forest consisting of Japanese beech, oak, and maples surrounding the lake, and the early summer fresh verdure and fall foliage are particularly beautiful. Visitors can also enjoy the area's seasonally blooming flowers. Walking courses circle the lake and connect with the Yokokawa Valley, and visitors are encouraged to go on a stroll and take in the beauty of the area's forest. When in season, visitors can also enjoy activities such as boating and fishing.
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- Nametsu Waterfall
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Pref. Kattagunshichikashukumachi Nametsu
- This waterfall is in Nametsu, Shichikashuku Town, Katta County. The 10-meter-high, 30-meter-wide waterfall is on the Shiroishi river, and its unique shape earned it the nickname Two-step Fall. There is an observation deck in the parking lot of the farm-direct shop Shun-no-Ichi Shichikashuku, on Michinokuotogi Road, and the area is lit up at night during fall foliage season.
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- Nanokahara Highland
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
- This plain is located in Nanokahara Togattaonsen, Zao-cho, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture. Dairy farming has been actively conducted here since ancient times in the vast pastures spreading out from the foot of Mount Zao. The Zao Dairy Center has a pasture, dairy factory, direct sales store, restaurant and training center all in one area.
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- Sai no Kawara
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
- This plateau is located in Zao Echo Line in Kuraishidake Kokuyuchi-nai,Togattaonsen, Zao Town, Katta County. Situated to the east of Mt. Katta at an altitude of around 1,300 meters, the expansive yet desolate plateau was formed by accumulated volcanic rock ejected by volcanic activity. Zao Temple, which enshrines the Enmei Jizoson, is adjacent to the plateau.
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- Hekigyoku Stream
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Shiroishi-shi Obara
- This stream is a scenic area in Obara, Shiroishi City. The gorge lies along the Shiroishikawa River, which flows through the Obara Hot Spring Village. Visitors can admire the beautiful scenic tapestries woven by the fresh greenery in the spring, the autumn leaves in the fall, and the snow in the winter. The name Hekigyoku, which means “blue jewel,” was bestowed by the early twentieth century author Tokutomi Soho, based on a passage in a Chinese poem.
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- Komakusa Daira
- Travel / Tourism
- Zao-cho, Kariya-gun, Miyagi prefecture
- This is one of the scenic spots in the Zao Mountain Range, accessible on foot from the parking lot on the Zao Echo Line. It got its name because there used to be groups of the plant komakusa along the roadside. As you climb the promenade, a dynamic landscape unfolds along with the exposed red-hued bedrock. Kaerazuno Falls with its 45-meter drop and Furiko Falls are visible from the concrete observatory. The Zao Echo Line closes for winter between November and April.
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- Mt.Zao
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi
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- Sennin Otaki
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Shibata-gun Kawasakimachi Imashuku
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- Sankainotaki
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
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- Fubozan (Onmae Take)( Zaosan)
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi
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- Mt.Aoso
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi
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- Mt.Byobu (Mt.Zao)
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi
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- Abukuma Line
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Igu-gun Marumorimachi Oharikawahari Nishi Kaze Sawa
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- Obara Valley
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Shiroishi-shi Obara Aketo
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- Sumikawa Valley
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
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- Nigorikawa Valley
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
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- Fukinotaki
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Pref. Kattagunzaoumachi Togattaonsen Kuraishi Takeshi state-owned land within
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- Fudonotaki
- Travel / Tourism
- Miyagi Katta-gun
Miyagi Areas
Lying along the northeastern coast of Japan, Miyagi prefecture is home to lashings of natural parks, oysters, and hot springs. While the bustling city of Sendai offers some simple city entertainment, it’s the Matsushima islands that deserve the most attention, having boosted the prefecture’s reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic views.
Best of Miyagi
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