Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)

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A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of the majestic Zao mountain range, boasting spectacular seasonal landscapes.

Tourist destination images of Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)(1)
Tourist destination images of Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)(2)
Tourist destination images of Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)(3)

Overview

The Zao Echo Line is a popular mountain sightseeing road connecting Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, offering a thrilling drive with stunning views of the Zao mountain range. The 26km road features significant elevation changes, resulting in diverse and captivating scenery. Spring reveals towering "snow walls," created by snow removal after winter. This awe-inspiring spectacle feels like driving through a snow corridor. Summer brings vibrant greenery and air filled with invigorating negative ions, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Autumn showcases a breathtaking progression of fall foliage, beginning at the summit and descending gradually, with different trees changing color at varying times, extending the viewing period. The fiery reds and yellows create a truly stunning vista. Winter offers the magical sight of *juhyo* (tree ice), an ethereal landscape formed by snow accumulating and freezing on tree branches. The Zao Echo Line is a spectacular driving route showcasing the beauty of each season. Besides driving, you can enjoy hiking and cycling. Numerous tourist facilities, including hot springs and ski resorts, are also conveniently located along the route. The Zao Echo Line is a highly recommended destination for nature enthusiasts.

  • Scenic Views

Basic Information

Address
Zao, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Yamagata
Access
Access via the Tohoku Expressway, using either the Murata IC or Shiraishi IC. Enter the Zao Echo Line and arrive at the Yamagata Prefecture entrance in approximately 25 minutes. Show route
Op.Hours
Open from late April to early November, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
Closed during winter from early November to late April
Fee
Free
INFO
Road closures may occur due to weather conditions. Please check road conditions in advance.
HP
http://www.zao-machi.com/553

Recommended nearby attractions

Zao Echo Line

Zao Echo Line
distance 5.126km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
A mountain sightseeing road where you can enjoy the majestic scenery of the Zao mountain range in its various seasonal expressions.

Zao Ropeway

Zao Ropeway
distance 4.15km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
Ride the Zao Ropeway and a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Zao mountain range will unfold before your eyes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season as you arrive at the summit in about 10 minutes!

Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen
distance 4.584km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
  • Historic Sites
  • World Heritage
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Zao Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, with a history spanning 1900 years. It's characterized by its abundant hot spring water and strongly acidic sulfur springs, offering potential beauty benefits. In winter, you can also enjoy the snow monsters and skiing at one of Tohoku's largest ski resorts.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Zao Onsen Ski Resort
distance 5.001km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • sports
A premier ski resort in Japan! Enjoy vast slopes and perfectly groomed runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Dokko-numa

Dokko-numa
distance 5.551km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
A mystical pond at approximately 1400m above sea level on the Zao Central Plateau. Famous for its breathtaking spring greenery and autumn foliage, making it a popular tourist destination.

Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort

Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort
distance 13.109km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • sports
Boasting the largest ski resort in Miyagi Prefecture, this comprehensive resort offers year-round enjoyment: skiing and snowboarding in winter, daffodils in spring, trekking in summer, and stunning autumn foliage.

Zao Heartland

Zao Heartland
distance 16.426km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
A healing space where you can interact with animals living freely!

Katakeinuma Pond

Katakeinuma Pond
distance 5.166km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
Katakeinuma Pond, a beautiful pond embraced by the majestic nature of Zao Central Highland. The scenery reflected in its crystal-clear waters is breathtaking.

Omaeyama Momijigawa Gorge

Omaeyama Momijigawa Gorge
distance 24.761km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
A gorge in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. During the autumn foliage season, the trees along the gorge are painted in shades of red and yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen trees. Enjoy a walk through nature, taking in various waterfalls and a thrilling suspension bridge.

Hanazakayama Observatory (Lovers' Sanctuary)

Hanazakayama Observatory (Lovers' Sanctuary)
distance 10.659km from Zao Echo Line (Yamagata Prefecture Side)
  • Scenic Views
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A breathtaking observatory offering panoramic views of Kaminoyama city and the Zaou mountain range! Famous as a 'Lovers' Sanctuary,' it also features a bell of happiness.

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