Japan Scenic Drive from Yamagata to Mt. Zao in Autumn

A drive through the autumn landscape of Mt. Zao (Yamagata side), Japan. The journey begins near Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC and heads into the mountains toward Zao. As the road climbs higher, the scenery gradually changes from the countryside to colorful autumn forests and eventually to the open volcanic landscape of the upper slopes. the vehicle continue to the Katta parking area, then we take the chairlift farther up the mountain. Mt. Zao is a volcanic mountain range on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures and forms part of the Ou Mountains that run through the Tohoku region. The range consists of several volcanic peaks, including Kumanodake, its highest point at 1,841 meters, and is characterized by volcanic craters and open volcanic terrain around its summit area. Its best-known feature is Okama, a crater lake surrounded by the peaks. 🗺️ Route Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Pref. Rd. 12 to Zao Katta Parking 32:05 Hiking to Okama Crater & and the summit Date: October 11, 2026 Google Maps route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZJQif5SK37Hv...