Enjoy a scenic drive through the impressive "Snow Corridor"

In the Zao Mountains, you can enjoy the blessings of nature all year round, including fresh greenery in spring, alpine plants in summer, red leaves in autumn, frost-covered trees in winter, and Zao Onsen, a famous hot spring with a history of 1,900 years. Every year in late April, the Zao Echo Line and Zao High Line, which were closed during the winter, open to traffic, marking the beginning of the spring tourist season in the Zao Mountain Range.

The Zao Echo Line is a 26km long mountain tourist road that connects Yamagata and Miyagi.The 16.5km prefectural border from the Bodaira Kogen Gate in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture to the Sumikawa Gate in Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture is closed in winter. The Zao High Line is a 2.5km toll road that branches off from Karita Pass, the highest point of the Zao Echo Line, and connects to Okama.

The most fun thing to look forward to after the opening is the impressive snow corridor. The snow wall that rises up to 9 meters is impressive. On a clear day, the pure white snow walls and the clear blue sky create a beautiful contrast, and you can enjoy driving while admiring the spectacular scenery.

It is also unique to this time of year that you can see the snow-covered ''white Okama'' crater lake ''Okama,'' which is the symbol of the Zao Mountain Range and changes its color from emerald green to cobalt blue. The area around Okama, which is located at an altitude of approximately 1,600m, is cooler and windier than the foothills, so we recommend bringing warm clothing when visiting. Also, please be careful where you step as the area may be muddy due to melting snow.