Zao in Summer | Hiking to Tohoku Flower Trails / Miyagi / Japan
Zao is internationally renowned for its
snow monsters in winter but in fact it’s a year-round destination that captivates
hikers in early summer, around June, the mountains of Zao like much of the Tohoku
region burst into full bloom with wildflowers. Zao spans two main areas Miyagi-Zao on the
eastern side and Yamagata-Zao on the western side among international tourists Yamagata-Zao
is more widely known and tends to be crowded in winter due to its snow monsters. However, both
areas belong to the same mountain range with no major differences in landscape, Onsen quality
or trail accessibility. I would rather recommend Miyagi-Zao more for my friends as it offers easier
access from Tokyo, and more availability in terms of accommodation as it remains relatively
undiscovered by international travelers. The trail isn’t particular particularly
demanding as it begins from the ridgeline, you’ll pass Mt. Byobu the highest peak in
Miyagi Prefecture and Mt. Minami Bio which features an impressive plateau-Iike shape
when viewed from below with no significant elevation gain but don’t end your hike there,
the real floral spectacle awaits at Mt. Fubo. What I really love about hiking in Tohoku is of
course Onsen. No matter where you go, there always seems to be one nearby. Most are quaint, quiet
and tucked away from the usual tourist routes. Togatta is a relatively lively Onen town yet it
still offers a relaxing stay with rustic charm. It’s not uncommon to meet such local festivals
in Tohoku during the summer. Some are large and lively, occasionally featuring nighttime
fireworks, but most are small-scale folk celebrations organized by local communities.
These festivals offer a perfect opportunity to savor truly local Japanese dishes, far
from the refined world of sushi and tempura.
In June, we can hardly sit still, thinking about the blooming wildflowers in the Tohoku region.
Early summer is wildflower season across much of Japan, but Tohoku’s display is something truly special. Although June typically marks the start of Japan’s rainy season, Tohoku often sits just beyond its reach, as the seasonal rain front tends to hover along the Pacific coast.
Several mountains in Tohoku are renowned for their wildflowers — Mt. Moriyoshi, Mt. Yakeishi, Mt. Chokai, and Mt. Iide among them — and Mt. Zao is one of those standouts. Actually “Mt. Zao” refers to the entire range rather than a single peak. The range includes Mt. Jizo in the north, followed by Mt. Kumano, Mt. Katta, Mt. Byobu, and Mt. Fubo on the southern end.
Mt. Fubo, in particular, is beloved by hikers from across Japan and beyond for its thriving community of Hakusan-Ichige, a graceful white-petaled Anemone. To stand amid these rare wildflowers is to feel the fleeting northern summer rushing in — an experience that stays with you.
Fittingly, the name “Fubo” means “unforgettable” in Japanese — a perfect reflection of its beauty this season. If you’re planning a visit to Japan in June, don’t miss your chance to witness it.
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