Zao

Zao is a mountainous region located in south-west Miyagi – perhaps best known for the beautiful Okama crater located close to the summit of Mount Zao, which also borders Yamagata prefecture further to the west. Zao is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts as well as the natural 'snow monster' phenomenon – ice-covered coniferous trees along the mountainside.

In recent times, the Zao name has also becoming increasingly synonymous with the Zao Fox Village to the south—paradise for cute fox lovers—though it's technically located just south of the Zao border in the Shiroishi district.