Zao - Ice Monsters

I planned to visit Tohoku for Ice Monster Phenomenon in mid Feb 2014. Noted from information populated on websites, Zao can be accessed through Yamagata or Miyagi. Most of the people visit Zao at Yamagata. Does anyone know if Zao at Yamagata is the best place to view Ice Monsters?

I am interested to see Okama Crater Lake, too. However, I couldn't find any info or photos that were taken in Winter. Does anyone know if Okama Crater Lake is accessible during Winter (Feb)? How to do that?

Many thanks in advance.

The ice monsters can only easily be accessed from the Yamagata side. From Zao Onsen. The crater lake is not (easily) accessible in winter. All the basics are explained in the Zao section:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7925.html

Many thanks for your useful information.

Yamagata Zao(West side) is larger as snow resort(Ski and Onsen) with Snow Monster tours.
http://www.kankou.yamagata.yamagata.jp/zao/winter/pc_2013/juhyo/
But Miyagi Zao(East side) tour ride Snowcat very fun and rare experience.
http://youtu.be/5Azanur8pYo
(Yamagata Zao by cable car confortable)
WtoE(or EtoW) no tours just round same side.

Winter Mt.Zao weather is not flat(not always fine and no wind) like this.
http://youtu.be/ZV-z1CDdf7Y
http://youtu.be/NWh2ESaWTCI
"Whiteout" condition most dangerous.
1st video 0:13 said "Visibility is about 50m".

So around Okama very haevy snow covered over 10m walk and viewing imppossible usual
also near car road closed Nov to next late Apr.

Thanks again or the useful info. I will cascade this information and discuss further to decide which one should we be doing.