Photos by Yoshihito Morita ()
Let’s face it, there is nothing like listening to birds chirping and wind whistling through the trees as you relax and take in the green scenery while sipping your morning coffee by a campfire, or gazing into the starry sky while enjoying an evening cocktail.
So, if you are looking to get away from it all, take in the beauty of Mother Nature and enjoy some camping, Lake Ogawarako in Misawa offers multiple campgrounds to choose from.
Of course, if you are stationed at Misawa Air Base, you know beautiful Base Beach has campsites and cabins available. However, there are several other campsites, outdoor facilities and dozens of hot springs outside the gates that are also inviting.
Among campgrounds dotting the area, Lake Ogawarako Fureai Village and Ogawarako Lakeside Campsite are two of the most popular, offering large campsites, beautiful wooden bungalows and kitchen, shower and bathroom facilities.
“The early-summer season is ideal for camping and there are no harmful insects annoying us while camping,” says Yoshihito Morita of Misawa Air Base Commissary.
You can enjoy great views of Lake Ogawarako while camping. Lakeside Campsite faces the west and offers a beautiful view of the sun setting over the lake. From an observation platform at Fureai Village, you can birds-eye view of control tower at the air base.
In Tohokucho Town on western side of lake, there are 12 natural onsen spas available for 100 – 330 yen ($0.75 – $3). You can’t beat the view while soaking in the hot springs.
Nearby, Road Station Lake Ogawarako sells fresh vegetables, various souvenirs and handicrafts, and also houses a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made from local produce.
If you are in Misawa, why not try some camping around Lake Oagawarako!
Ogawarako Lakeside Campsite
Location: 116-2949 Misawasabishirodai, Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture
Tel: 0176-59-2830
Lake Ogawarako Fureai Village
Location: Ooura, Tochokucho, Kamikita-gun, Aomori Prefecture
Tel: 0176-56-3600
Road Station Ogawarako “Koyukan”
Location: 122 Minamiyachi, Ueno, Tohokucho, Kamikita-gun, Aomori Pref.
Tel: 0176-58-1122
