Zao-san Travel Guide

 Mr.Sparkle Says:  Okama crater lake, of the five colored lake, is truly a beautiful site to see. After walking the dead dormant volcano the welcoming color of the lake is even more luminous. The lake is named the five colored lake because the color will change depending on different factors,... 

 Mr.Sparkle Says:  Zao is pretty easy hike seeing how you can take any number of ropeways up to the summit, or rather close to the summit. The paths are well marked out and taken care of. You will find stone or wood laid on most of the path so walking it is a synch. That being said, the path... 

 Sharrie Says:  MOUNT KATTA: At the summit you can experience a fascinating view of Okama & a shrine of Zao. The building on the lower right corner is the Visitor Center & Parking Lot for tourist coaches. 

 Sharrie Says:  This mineral-laden lake is no home to plant or fish. The minerals also give the lake its deep opal-blue color under the mid-day sun. 

 Sharrie Says:  Its desolation & stark beauty make Okama one of the most dramatic sights I've come across in Japan. A small breeze, the passing of the clouds & the different time of the day present a delightful canvas of sceneries where one could barely contains one's excitement &... 

 Sharrie Says:   '24-hour menu' offers food such as hotdogs & french fries at the push of a button. How's that for novelty? 

 Sharrie Says:  To find out more about the Shinto religion, please proceed to Shinto Online Network Associaton: http://www.jinja.or.jp/english/s-0.html. 

 Sharrie Says:  I think this is to be hang at home to ward off evil spirits. 

 Sharrie Says:  This one is for road safety. 

 Sharrie Says:  In Japan, there are many shrines all over the country. At Zao, I found one right at the top of the mountain. Japanese visit shrines normally to pray for good fortunes & turn away evil spirits. After each visit, one can buy amulets & charms with a small offering. One such... 

 Sharrie Says:  This photo was taken at around 3 pm. It's amazing how fast the weather changes up in the mountains. So, try to make your trip as early as possible & makes sure you have transportation back to town. 

 Sharrie Says:   One of the most interesting houses I passed by while on the way to Okama. I thought the trees are kind of different; a sculptured look perhaps? 

 Sharrie Says:  Wonder what a Kokeshi doll is?Kokeshi Doll: Generally termed Kokeshi when they are of a joined wooden cylinder and sphere. They were originally made as the souvenirs of the Tohoku hot springs area since 1800. Well know hot spa areas often have their own Kokeshi. Kokeshi... 

 Sharrie Says:  Jizo Statues: Usually red-bibbed (placed by bereaved mothers & sufferers), these statues are found largely in temples & along waysides in Japan. Acting as guardian (Bosatsu - Japanese word for Bodhisattva, a figure that has attained Enlightenment & helps others) of those who...