Zao Fureai Farm Heartland is a spacious farm surrounded by the magnificent natural scenery of the Zao area. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing farm experience while getting close to animals such as cows and sheep. Covering approximately 100 hectares, equivalent to about 20 Tokyo Domes, the farm offers expansive highland landscapes and plenty of open space.
In addition to observing the animals in their natural surroundings, visitors can also enjoy areas where they can interact directly with the animals. Spending time with animals in the great outdoors can be a memorable experience for both children and adults, offering a refreshing break from everyday life.
One of Heartland’s main attractions is the chance to enjoy the open scenery of the highlands while feeling close to the animals. Visitors can observe the cows and sheep that live on the farm and interact with animals in the designated petting areas.
Watching the animals’ movements and expressions from close by creates a different kind of travel memory from conventional sightseeing. The farm is particularly suitable for family trips and outings with children, allowing visitors to experience the natural environment of Zao at a relaxed pace.
The farm has a hands-on workshop facility where visitors can experience making various foods using milk and other ingredients. Depending on the program, participants can make products such as cheese and butter, as well as sausages and ice cream.
Making food with your own hands and then tasting the finished product is a fun way to appreciate the bounty of the farm. These activities are also ideal for family bonding and provide children with an enjoyable opportunity to learn about how everyday foods are made.
Advance reservations may be required depending on the workshop. Some activities require reservations at least three days in advance, while others may require booking one week ahead. If you would like to participate, check the specific activity and its reservation deadline before your visit.
For a meal or a relaxing break, visitors can stop at the farm café Wind Square. The café serves dishes featuring cheese from the Zao area, making it a pleasant place to rest after exploring the farm and interacting with the animals.
Combining a walk through the natural surroundings with a meal featuring local cheese allows visitors to experience both the natural and culinary attractions of Zao in one visit.
For those looking for a hearty farm meal, the Jingisukan restaurant Wind Deck offers a chance to enjoy grilled meat in the open atmosphere of the highlands. Guests can gather around the grill and enjoy a relaxed meal surrounded by nature.
The menu includes Zao-produced beef and pork from Zao Town, served with a special homemade sauce. Barbecue enjoyed in the natural surroundings of the farm offers a sense of openness that is quite different from dining at a restaurant in the city, making it a good choice for families and groups.
Grilling meat over charcoal or on a hot plate while looking out over the natural scenery of Zao is part of the experience. The feeling of enjoying a meal in the great outdoors is one of the distinctive pleasures of visiting Heartland.
Visitors can also purchase cheese, dairy products, and local specialties made using the bounty of Zao. The direct sales shop next to the cheese factory offers a variety of products made at the factory, making it a convenient place to look for souvenirs.
In addition to cheese and other dairy products, popular choices include homemade ice cream and the original drink called “Molk”. Visitors can enjoy them as a refreshing break after walking around the farm or purchase products to take home for family and friends.
The factory grounds also feature a sweets workshop where handmade desserts are produced and sold. These sweets make use of Zao’s dairy products and are worth checking out alongside the cheese and dairy products available as souvenirs.
Visitors can spend the day in a variety of ways: interacting with animals, taking part in hands-on food-making activities, enjoying a meal or dessert, and finishing the visit by choosing souvenirs to take home.
Zao Fureai Farm Heartland is a sightseeing destination where visitors can enjoy animal encounters, food-making experiences, farm cuisine, sweets, and local souvenirs. With approximately 100 hectares of open farmland and highland scenery, the farm provides plenty of opportunities to relax and experience the natural beauty of Zao.
For families in particular, combining animal encounters with hands-on workshops can create an enjoyable day for visitors of all ages. When exploring Zao, consider visiting Heartland to experience the region’s beautiful highland environment together with its local food and dairy products.
9:30-17:00
Open from early April to late November
Closed during winter from November to March.
Free of charge
35 minutes by car from the Murata IC or Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway