Lake Tokura
The shores of Lake Tokura draw visitors throughout the year for festivals, camping, dining, and relaxation. The lake is both a popular recreational area and a historically significant site in Obanazawa. Enjoy camping at Sun Village, a relaxing soak at the lakeside spa Hanagasa no Yu, an introduction to glassmaking at Asahi Glass Studio, and Obanazawa’s premium wagyu beef at the lakeside Restaurant Tokurako. The lake itself offers further leisure opportunities, such as canoeing and sailing.
Tokura is a reservoir that stores enough water to irrigate 230 hectares of rice paddies. The project was promoted by local businessman Takamiya Tsunetaro. Construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1921 through the efforts of approximately 70,000 workers from neighboring communities. The Hanagasa Odori, the signature dance of Yamagata Prefecture, developed from the rhythmic movements of the workers as they built the embankment.