Cheese Born from the Natural Environment of the Zao Mountains
The story of Zao Cheese begins long before the milk reaches the cheese factory. At the foot of the Zao Mountains, dairy cows graze in spacious pastures and feed on abundant grass.
The Nanokahara Plateau, where the Zao Dairy Center is located, is home to an extensive dairy farm covering approximately 100 hectares. Clean water, fresh air, a cool climate, and rich grasslands provide an ideal foundation for producing high-quality fresh milk.
The fresh milk produced here is carefully processed by skilled cheesemakers into a wide variety of dairy products, ranging from fresh cream cheese to aged cheeses. The connection between nature, the farm, the cows, and traditional cheesemaking expertise is one of the defining characteristics of Zao Cheese.
The Zao Dairy Center: Home of Zao Cheese
The Zao Dairy Center is a major dairy and dairy-product production facility located on the Nanokahara Plateau in Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture. The site includes dairy farms, a cheese factory, a direct sales shop, restaurants, and an animal interaction farm.
Its history began in 1960, when a facility was established with the goal of improving dairy farming through mechanization and electrification. The operation was later moved to Zao Town, where an experimental farm based on grassland dairy farming was established. Through continued efforts combining dairy farming and dairy-product processing, it eventually developed into today’s Zao Dairy Center.
A Pioneer in Japanese Natural Cheese Production
In the late 1970s, an experimental factory for producing Japanese natural cheese was constructed. Production began with cheeses such as cream cheese, Edam, and Gouda. In 1980, Zao Cheese was introduced, making it one of the pioneering names in Japan’s natural cheese industry.
Since then, the center has worked not only to produce cheese but also to develop and pass on cheesemaking techniques. Training programs have helped cultivate people with the skills needed for Japan’s dairy and cheese industries. The experience and expertise accumulated over many years continue to support the quality of Zao Cheese today.
A Wide Variety of Dairy Products from the Zao Cheese Factory
The Zao Cheese Factory produces a diverse selection of dairy products, including fresh cream cheese as well as aged cheeses such as Gouda and Cheddar.
The range also includes low-temperature-pasteurized milk and products made using whey, the liquid that remains during the cheesemaking process. These products allow visitors to discover the many different ways in which high-quality milk can be enjoyed.
Popular Zao Cream Cheese
One of the signature products is Zao Cream Cheese. Made with fresh milk from the foothills of the Zao Mountains in Miyagi, it has a refreshing acidity and a smooth, creamy texture.
It can be enjoyed on its own or spread on crackers and bread. It also pairs well with fruit and can be used as an ingredient in both savory dishes and desserts. Interestingly, it also works well with Japanese ingredients such as dried bonito flakes and mentaiko spicy cod roe, making it easy to incorporate into home-style Japanese cooking.
A Variety of Cream Cheese Flavors
In addition to the classic plain version, Zao Cream Cheese is available in a variety of flavors combined with fruits, spices, and other ingredients. Some are designed for savory dishes, while others have a sweeter character and can be enjoyed almost like a dessert.
Seasonal products are also available. For example, Zao Cream Cheese Yuzu is made with yuzu citrus from the foothills of the Zao Mountains, adding a refreshing aroma and distinctive citrus flavor. Discovering different flavors depending on the season is part of the fun of visiting Zao Cheese.
A Selection of Aged Cheeses
There is much more to discover beyond cream cheese. A selection of aged cheeses, including Gouda and Cheddar, is also available. Products such as Pepper Gouda, flavored with black pepper, and smoked cheese are particularly well suited as snacks or accompaniments to drinks.
These cheeses can be enjoyed with wine or beer, or used with bread, salads, and cooked dishes to add an extra layer of flavor.
Cheese Cabin: A Great Place to Buy Zao Cheese as a Souvenir
Cheese Cabin is the official direct sales shop located next to the Zao Cheese Factory. It is approximately a five-minute drive from the Togatta Onsen hot spring district in the Nanokahara area and offers a wide selection of Zao Cheese products, dairy products, and regional specialties.
The shop is housed in an impressive building with a high ceiling and a distinctive dome-like atmosphere. Inside, visitors can browse a wide range of products, making it a convenient place to look for souvenirs of a trip to Zao.
Taste Different Cream Cheese Flavors Before Buying
One of the attractions of Cheese Cabin is the opportunity to sample different cream cheese flavors. Visitors can taste the products before making their selection, whether they prefer the classic plain variety or versions containing fruit, spices, and other ingredients.
With so many varieties available, trying several flavors side by side can be a fun way to discover a personal favorite. It is especially convenient for travelers purchasing Zao Cheese for the first time.
Zao Foothills Butter and Cheese Drinks
Cheese Cabin also sells dairy products other than cheese. Zao Foothills Butter is made from fresh milk produced in the Zao area and has a smooth, mellow flavor. It can be spread on bread or used in cooking and baking.
Another popular choice among visitors is Zao Cheese Drink “Zao White”. With a refreshing flavor distinct from ordinary milk, it makes a pleasant drink to enjoy while taking a break during sightseeing in Zao.
Cheese-Based Sweets Are Also Worth Trying
Zao Cheese is not limited to natural cheese. The area also offers a selection of cheese-based sweets, including rare cheesecake and cheese sticks.
The rare cheesecake is made generously with Zao cream cheese and mascarpone cheese, creating a rich and creamy flavor. It is easy to choose as a souvenir and also makes a thoughtful gift for cheese lovers.
Handmade Bakery and Cake Zao Farm
Across from Cheese Cabin is the Handmade Bakery and Cake Zao Farm. The shop offers breads designed to pair well with cheese, as well as cheesecakes and other baked treats that can be enjoyed alongside Zao Cheese.
One product to look out for is the Cheese Stick, made with a generous amount of Zao Cream Cheese. Available in flavors including plain, orange, blueberry, and fig, these treats are ideal for trying several flavors in small portions.
A Cheese-Themed Destination Surrounded by Nature
The Zao Dairy Center offers much more than a place to purchase cheese. With its farms, restaurants, and hands-on activities, visitors can experience the world of dairy farming and dairy products as a complete sightseeing experience.
At Zao Heartland, the center’s animal interaction farm, visitors can meet cows, sheep, goats, and other animals. Hands-on activities include milking cows and making butter, cheese, and ice cream, making the facility especially enjoyable for families with children.
Restaurants Serving Zao Cheese Dishes
The site also has dining facilities such as Cheese House and Cheese Shed, where visitors can enjoy dishes made with Zao Cheese. Trying a cheese-based meal such as cheese fondue offers a different experience from tasting or purchasing cheese at the direct sales shop.
Other facilities include barbecue areas, a rose garden, and accommodation facilities for training and group stays. Together, these attractions provide opportunities to spend a relaxing day surrounded by the natural beauty of Zao.
Supporting Japan’s Natural Cheese Culture
Zao Cheese is more than simply a popular regional product. For many years, the Zao Dairy Center has contributed to the development of Japan’s natural cheese industry through cheese production, technical training, and the sharing of cheesemaking expertise.
Through training sessions, symposiums, and other educational activities, the center helps improve the skills of people involved in cheesemaking. It therefore also serves as an important center for nurturing Japan’s natural cheese culture.
Experience Zao Cheese During Your Visit to Zao
Zao Cheese brings together the natural environment of the Zao Mountains, dairy farming, high-quality fresh milk, and the skills of experienced cheesemakers. Visitors can discover a wide range of products, from cream cheese, Gouda, Cheddar, and smoked cheese to butter, cheese drinks, and cheesecake.
During a trip to Zao, visitors can look for their favorite products at Cheese Cabin, enjoy cheese dishes and sweets, or take part in dairy-farming experiences at Zao Heartland. Surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Zao Mountains, experiencing the journey from “dairy farming to cheesemaking” offers a unique way to discover the food culture and natural beauty of Miyagi.