Okama Crater is an experience not to be missed while visiting the Tohoku region of Japan. Located on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, the crater lake is a beautiful natural wonder that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This deep caldera lake is also known as “Goshikinuma” or the “Lake of Five Colors” due to its changing colors, which range from deep green to turquoise in intense daylight. Depending on your interests, there are plenty of activities to enjoy around the crater, including hiking and observing the alpine blooms in spring or brilliant autumn leaves at the end of September. The area is closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall, making late April – early May the ideal time to visit the Okama Crater! It takes 90 minutes one way.