Day 2 begins!
Mt. Zao / Okama Crater Lake
Okama is a crater lake with a striking emerald-green surface. Surrounded by three peaks in the heart of the Zao mountain range, Katta-dake, Kumano-dake, and Goshiki-dake, it is also known as “Goshiki (five-colored) Lake” because its color shifts depending on the viewing angle. The Okama Observatory is a popular spot with visitors, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding wilderness. It is about a 3-minute walk from the parking area, so even those who are not confident in their stamina can still get there without worry.
80 minutes by car
Yamagata Railway
Flower Nagai Line
Arato Station to Nagai Station
The Flower Nagai Line runs through southern Yamagata Prefecture and has long been loved by locals for its colorfully wrapped trains. Enjoy a leisurely ride on this local line while taking in the flowers blooming along the route, including classical cherry trees over 1,000 years old, irises, dahlias, lilies, roses, and safflowers. The rural scenery between Nagai Station and Arato Station is also a highlight. In summer, you can see fresh green rice fields. In autumn, golden ears of rice shimmer across the landscape. In winter, the area turns into a dreamlike world of snow.
40 minutes by car
Yonezawa Beef Tokiwa Main Restaurant
Established in 1894. A dining restaurant run by Yonezawa’s longest-established Yonezawa beef specialist.
You can savor top-grade Yonezawa beef, carefully selected and purchased by fifth-generation owner Hitoshi Ozaki, prepared as sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, charcoal grill, steak, and more. They also offer a sake called Junmai Ginjo Tokiwa, crafted to complement the flavors of the beef, for a truly blissful dining experience.
20min
YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI
A stylish inn known for its modern Japanese design, created by renovating historic buildings such as a former guesthouse and an old school from the late Taisho period. Every guestroom has a free-flowing open-air bath, so you can enjoy “100% hot spring water” with no heating or added water whenever you like.
The president also hosts a soba-making performance himself, saying he wants guests to enjoy the experience. The soba served is, of course, 100% buckwheat. There is even a morning tour to a nearby mountain to see the sea of clouds. The warm hospitality, with just the right sense of distance, is part of the charm.
