Day 2 begins!
Zao Okama Crater
Lake Okama has a stunning emerald green surface. It is a crater lake surrounded by Mt. Katta, Mt. Kumano, and Mt. Goshiki, located in the center of the Zao mountain range, and is also called "Lake Five Colors" because its color changes depending on the angle from which you view it.
The Okama Observatory, overlooking the Okama crater, is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of nature.
It's only a 3-minute walk from the parking lot, so even those who aren't confident in their physical strength can enjoy it!
80 minutes by car
Yamagata Railway
Flower Nagai Line
Arato Station ▶ Nagai Station
The Flower Nagai Line, which runs through southern Yamagata Prefecture, is beloved by locals for its colorfully decorated trains. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the local line while admiring the flowers that bloom along the line, including classic cherry trees over 1,000 years old, irises, dahlias, lilies, roses, and safflowers.
We also recommend the rural scenery between Nagai Station and Arato Station. Fresh rice in the summer, golden ears of rice in the fall, and a magical winter landscape of silver all around are a sight to behold.
40 minutes by car
Dining
Yonezawa Beef Tokiha Main Store
Founded in 1894, this restaurant is run by the oldest Yonezawa beef specialty store in Yonezawa.
The fifth-generation owner, Hitoshi Ozaki, has carefully selected and purchased the finest Yonezawa beef, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, charcoal grilling, and steak.
They also serve Junmai Ginjo Tokiha sake, which brings out the flavor of the meat, so you're sure to have a blissful time.
20min
Yamagataza Takinami
This inn is popular for its modern Japanese space, renovated from historic buildings such as a guest house and elementary school from the end of the Taisho era. All rooms have free-flowing open-air baths, so you can enjoy the 100% pure hot spring water, which is neither heated nor diluted, whenever you like.
The president himself will also be performing a soba noodle-making demonstration, saying, "I want our guests to enjoy themselves." Of course, this is also 100% buckwheat soba.
The next morning, there is also a tour to a nearby mountain to see the sea of clouds. The hospitality is just right and I'm happy!
