Crater Lake – Okama

This tuff cone contains a crater lake called ‘Okama’ which changes color depending on the weather. It’s one hell of a bike ride if you can make it all the way up here. It’s my second favourite time of year to be in the Yamagata and Miyagi mountains. You can guess the first, right?Winter, for all the good snow and some fun skiing. The town of Zao is located on the west side of the mountain and boasts the largest ski resort in Yamagata prefecture. I have skied her for the past six years and highly recommend it. Not steep and deep stuff but long wide open groomers at the top and on a windy day you can stay in the trees on the lower section. It’s a great place for beginners and families.

This past weekend the west side of the mountain was displaying a full gamut of fall colours. From the summit you can walk all the way down to the crater lake and around the ridge if you want a much longer walk. The mountain is like a giant sponge being squeezed with hot water coming out of every oraphis

The road climbs steeply up from the west and then meanders it’s way down the east side through the small Onsen town of Tamagawa. There are two public Onsens in town together with a public footpath in the middle.