Zao Heart Land

At the foot of the Zao Mountain Range, which stands at the heart of the Tohoku region, lies a vast ranch spanning approximately 100 hectares—about the size of 20 Tokyo Domes. Endless grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see, where sheep and goats roam freely. The combination of breathtaking scenery and adorable animals creates the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

After enjoying time with the animals, treat yourself to fresh, locally sourced food. At the Heartland Experience Center, you can indulge in soft-serve ice cream and a variety of easy takeout options. You can also take part in hands-on cheese and ice cream-making workshops using farm-fresh ingredients (reservation required). There's nothing quite like the taste of food you make yourself, making for a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Just 2 km before the ranch, you'll find the Zao Cheese Factory, surrounded by a variety of dining options featuring Zao cheese. "Cheese Shed" offers a rich selection of cheese-based dishes, while "Cheese House" is famous for its signature dish, "Raclonette"—cheese grilled on an iron plate. With so many tempting choices, deciding where to eat may be the hardest part of your visit!