Okama in Zaō

　The Tohoku region has entered the rainy season. I visited Zaō just before the rains began, when the alpine flowers were starting to bloom.

　Although Zaō stands at an altitude of 1,841 metres, it is accessible by car almost right up to the summit—except in winter—and the car park gets very busy at weekends.

　The observation deck is just a short walk from the Kariyadake summit car park. Most group tours visit the observation deck and Kariyamine Shrine before returning, but to view the beautiful emerald-green crater lake, commonly known as ‘Okama’, from the front, you need to climb the ridge known as ‘Uma no Se’ (Horse’s Back). The circumference of Okama is 1,080 metres, but the lake water is highly acidic due to volcanic gases; there is no life whatsoever, and naturally, swimming is not permitted.

　After a careful 5–10-minute climb up the gravel path, this view spreads out before you.

　Although it is a popular spot visited by over a million tourists annually, Mount Zaō remains an active volcano. Its last eruption was in 1940, but as earthquakes have been recorded in recent years, caution is advised.