Zao Okama Crater Lake
Open by month
Closed in January. Road closed from early November to late April. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): closed.
Closed in February. Road closed from early November to late April.
Closed in March. Road closed from early November to late April.
Partly closed in April: Road closed from early November to late April.
Open in May. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in June. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in July. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in August. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in September. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in October. No seasonal closure recorded.
Partly closed in November: Road closed from early November to late April.
Closed in December. Road closed from early November to late April. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): closed.
Checked against the official site on 2026-10-11.
An emerald-green crater lake that changes color with the light, near the top of Mt. Zao.
Nearby
- Zao Snow Monsters ≈ 20 min by car
- Zao Onsen ≈ 20 min by car
- Togatta Onsen ≈ 30 min by car
- Kaminoyama Onsen ≈ 40 min by car
- Bunshokan (Former Yamagata Prefectural Office) ≈ 45 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Closed or limited
- Road closed from early November to late April
- Getting there
- About 1 hr by car from Murata or Shiroishi IC (Tohoku Expwy) via the Zao Echo Line; some weekend buses in season
Easier with a tour or car - Fee
- Highline toll for cars
- Good to know
- Roads may close due to volcanic activity
- Time needed
- 2 h
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-11. Report outdated info