Discover Zao: Hot Springs, Nature and Kokeshi Culture

Zaō Town is located in the southwest of Miyagi Prefecture, at the eastern foot of the Zao Mountains. Several themes shape the choices for a trip to Zao: the Matsukawa gorge landscape, the history of Togatta Onsen, Kokeshi culture and seasonal nature experiences. Around 60 percent of Zaō Town’s area consists of forest and wasteland.

Scenery along the Matsukawa and in the Zao Mountains

The Matsukawa runs through the center of Zaō Town, where it shapes a gorge landscape. In spring, cherry trees line the Matsukawa Cycling Road, while snow still covers the Zao Mountains. Along this route, as described, spring blossoms meet a wintry mountain backdrop. The western part of Zaō Town lies within Zao Quasi-National Park; when making specific plans, check the boundaries on current official maps. The wider Zao region was officially recognized as a National Geopark in January 2025.

Zao’s snow monsters usually form from December and reach their peak in February. Exact viewing conditions vary from year to year. At Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park, the “みやぎ蔵王の樹氷めぐりツアー” tour takes visitors to the ice and snow formations on the trees in the heated snow vehicle “ワイルドモンスター号.” A dedicated guide accompanies visitors as they view the formations up close. The tour is seasonal; check dates and reservations in advance.

Togatta Onsen and Kokeshi Craftsmanship

Togatta Onsen is a major hot spring resort with a history spanning more than 400 years since the spring first opened. The town was already thriving in the Edo period and is visited by numerous tourists and hot spring guests every year. The permanent exhibition at the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum comprises 5,500 items: traditional Togatta Kokeshi, other regional Kokeshi and wooden toys. Kokeshi is a craft that developed in the Tōhoku region. The museum also offers Kokeshi-painting workshops; check current availability before your visit.

Those interested in traditional crafts can visit Kokeshi no Sato, a historic settlement of woodworkers. Koretaka Shrine is dedicated to the ancestors of the woodworkers. Zao pottery is also part of the local craft tradition: it is made from clay from Zao. These different examples show how woodworking and pottery each represent distinct forms of craftsmanship.

Routes and Experiences Throughout the Year

The Zao/Togatta Onsen Trail Course starts at the Zao Town Tourist Information Center in the center of Togatta Onsen. A route described as the Zao/Togatta Onsen walking trail passes the shops on Zao-dori Shopping Street and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Zao peaks and the hot spring district. From Kokeshi Bridge, visitors can also reach the Matsukawa Cycling Road, which runs alongside the river. Check current information about route access and signage before setting out.

Seasonal experiences in Zaō Town include picking pears, apples, peaches and blueberries; the stated period runs from July to October. Seasons, individual farm offerings and booking conditions may vary. At Fukuda Orchard, the growers sell fruit directly, including pears from Zaō Town. At the Zao Dairy Center Cheese Cabin, a farm shop beside a dairy, you can sample Zao Cheese; check current operating details in advance.

The approximately 100-hectare Zao Heartland offers opportunities to meet animals such as goats and take part in hands-on dairy-product-making activities at the “Handicraft Experience Center.” Here too, it is advisable to check current availability before your visit. The region therefore offers a range of options side by side: seasonal nature experiences, insights into traditional crafts and food-related activities.

Discover more destinations: Taiwa, Shiroishi, Ōsaki, Shichikashuku, Tome, Miyagi District, Shiogama, Ishinomaki.

For the broader travel overview: Miyagi Prefecture.