Zao: Between Hot Springs and Mountain Winters

The town of Zaō in Miyagi Prefecture combines a long history of hot springs with woodcraft, river scenery, and seasonal mountain experiences. Togatta Onsen has a history of more than 400 years, dating back to the opening of its hot spring. In winter, the ice and snow formations on the trees draw the eye; in spring, cherry blossoms along the river face the snow on the Zao mountain range. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you want to focus on culture and hot springs or on a seasonal nature experience.

River Scenery and Mountain Seasons

Around 60 percent of the town of Zaō consists of forest and wasteland. The Matsukawa runs through the town center, shaping a gorge landscape there. The western part of the town also lies within Zao Quasi-National Park. For the precise boundaries of the protected area, it is worth checking current official maps. In January 2025, the Zao region was also officially recognized as a National Geopark.

Winter reveals a particularly striking side of the landscape: the so-called snow monsters usually form from December and reach their peak in February. Their appearance varies from year to year. A seasonal tour at Mountain Field Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park takes visitors to the ice and snow formations in the heated snow vehicle “ワイルドモンスター号”; a dedicated guide accompanies the ride. Tour dates and reservations may change, so check them before making plans.

In spring, the Matsukawa and the Zao mountain range offer a different contrast. Cherry trees line the Matsukawa Cycling Road while snow still lies on the mountains. From Kokeshi Bridge, you can reach the Cycling Road along the river. This makes a winter mountain experience and a stroll through spring scenery options for different travel seasons.

Hot Springs and Kokeshi Culture

Togatta Onsen is a notable hot spring destination visited each year by many tourists and people seeking therapeutic stays. The town was already thriving in the Edo period. A walking route starts at the Zao Town Tourist Information Center in the center of Togatta Onsen and passes the shops on Zao-dori Shopping Street on the way to a viewpoint. From there, you can see the peaks of Zao and the hot spring district. The route brings local history and scenery together in a specific outing; check in advance whether the path is open and what signage is available.

Kokeshi is also part of the region’s culture. This craft developed in the Tōhoku region, and Togatta Kokeshi is a traditional style. The permanent exhibition at the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum includes 5,500 items, among them traditional Togatta Kokeshi, other regional dolls, and wooden toys. The museum also offers Kokeshi-painting workshops; check current availability before visiting. Kokeshi no Sato is a historic settlement of woodcraft artisans, and Koretaka Shrine is dedicated to the ancestors of the woodcraft artisans. Another craft tradition is Zao pottery, made from clay from Zao.

Fruit, Cheese, and Hands-on Experiences

During the picking season from July to October, pears, apples, peaches, and blueberries can be harvested in the town of Zaō. At Fukuda Orchard, you can pick fruit and buy it directly, including pears from Zaō Town sold by the growers themselves. Individual farms and booking conditions may change, so check the latest details before planning your visit.

Zao Cheese can be sampled at the Zao Dairy Center Cheese Cabin. The farm shop is next to a dairy; check the latest operating information before visiting. At Zao Heartland, which covers about 100 hectares, visitors can meet goats and make dairy products at the “Handicraft Experience Center.” It is also advisable to check in advance whether the center is currently operating.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: hot springs and culture, winter mountain scenery, or seasonal harvest experiences will lead to different outing plans.

Discover more destinations: Shiogama, Minamisanriku, Ōsaki, Miya, Shichigahama, Shichikashuku, Miyagi District, Matsushima

For the regional travel overview: Miyagi Prefecture.