Located about 10 minutes by car from Ginzan Onsen, 'MIRAI' sits along the shores of Tokura Lake
in Obanazawa City. Tokura Lake, an artificial lake with over a century of history, has long
supported the lives of Obanazawa's residents.
In the past, men would secure stones with ropes, lift them, and repeatedly drop them to compact
the earth — a traditional technique known as tsuchitsuki. As the men labored, drenched in sweat,
the women would cheer them on and cool them down by fanning them with straw hats. This
heartwarming scene gave rise to the Hanagasa Ondo, one of Yamagata's most iconic folk songs.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, sailboats drift across the lake in summer, vibrant foliage paints
the landscape in autumn, and pristine snow blankets the area in winter. The ever-changing beauty
of Tokura Lake through the seasons makes it a peaceful retreat all year round.
Obanazawa is the only town where Matsuo Basho spent 10 nights on his Oku no Hosomichi journey.
The warm hospitality that once soothed Basho’s travel-weary heart still lingers in this town.
Why not start your own journey from 'MIRAI' and discover the rich history of Tokura Lake and the
warm spirit of Obanazawa?

Located about 10 minutes by car from Ginzan Onsen, 'MIRAI'
sits along the shores of Tokura Lake in Obanazawa City.
Tokura Lake, an artificial lake with over a century of history,
has long supported the lives of Obanazawa's residents.
In the past, men would secure stones with ropes, lift them, and
repeatedly drop them to compact the earth — a traditional
technique known as tsuchitsuki. As the men labored, drenched
in sweat, the women would cheer them on and cool them down
by fanning them with straw hats. This heartwarming scene
gave rise to the Hanagasa Ondo, one of Yamagata's most
iconic folk songs.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, sailboats drift across the
lake in summer, vibrant foliage paints the landscape in
autumn, and pristine snow blankets the area in winter. The
ever-changing beauty of Tokura Lake through the seasons
makes it a peaceful retreat all year round.
Obanazawa is the only town where Matsuo Basho spent 10
nights on his Oku no Hosomichi journey. The warm hospitality
that once soothed Basho’s travel-weary heart still lingers in
this town.
Why not start your own journey from 'MIRAI' and discover the
rich history of Tokura Lake and the warm spirit of Obanazawa?