Home to Misawa Air Base, Misawa is a small city surrounded by farms and forests. To the not-so-distant west sit the majestic Hakkoda mountains – snow-capped for much of the year – and the Pacific Ocean is only a few klicks from the center of town to the east.

Though it has so much to offer nature-wise and its location is ideal when it comes to beaches and mountains, Misawa isn’t a huge tourist mecca. If you love the Great Outdoors and seek peace and quiet in nature, this is the place to explore. With all that it has to offer, this serene and stunning corner of Aomori Prefecture has much to see, and many of Misawa’s gems in the countryside are only a few minutes’ drive from town.

Got a dog? All of the following gorgeous spots are the ultimate in dog-friendly. All you have to decide is whether you want to keep the leash on.

- Forest paths & uncrowded beaches

Any time is a good time to explore some new walking paths close to the eastern coast of Honshu, and in particular, this wild and wonderful region called Tohoku, where Misawa is situated.

Wanna take a walk in the cool pines? The eastern coast nearby town is lined with forests. Trees are filled with songbirds, like the cuckoo and Japanese warbler. Those will be the only sounds you’ll hear, except for the ocean waves, visible only a few yards beyond the tree line. Unpaved walking paths replete with wildflowers and tall grasses welcome every visitor, immersing them in tranquility. The shade of the woods and quick access to the ocean offer nature-seekers the best of both worlds, side by side.

Step out of the woods into the sand, and you’ll find yourself on one of the following. And remember: Misawa stays cooler longer due to its more northernly location, so if you’re dying to escape the heat, head up here.

- Veedol Beach

This popular beach is named after Miss Veedol, the plane that flew from Misawa to Wenatchee, WA, making the world’s first non-stop flight back in 1931. Swimming at Veedol Beach is much safer than the open ocean, because two long, man-made jetties consisting of giant cement jacks protect the beach from dangerous waves and riptides. Veedol Beach Park has many trees, grassy areas with tables for picnics, walking paths, and public restrooms. Because Misawa is an undiscovered gem, this beach is rarely overcrowded. Misawa’s Port is adjacent, and boat enthusiasts will enjoy a leisurely (and quick!) drive through it as well. Be sure to pack a picnic and prepare for a day of relaxation and sunshine.

- Oirase Town Seaside Park

For camping, fishing, beachcombing, sunning and long strolls on Japan’s volcanic gray sand, Seaside Park is preferable for those who want to enjoy unlimited views of the vast Pacific without man-made barriers or jetties. This more natural, “less constructed” beach park, about 2.5 miles to the south of Veedol Beach, makes for plenty of leg-stretching, playing in the sand, and running with your canine friend. However, the water isn’t safe for swimming; there are no jetties or lifeguards to protect oceangoers, and turbulent waves are constantly crashing onto shore. However, if you’re a collector of sea glass or shells, those waves wash up some great treasures.

- ‘Surfer’s Beach’

Yes, Misawa has surfing and its own set of beaches with the best swells around. Does your dog need a play date before you head seaward to take a walk in the cool sand or have a wienie roast? Park at the dog park on Highway 338, let your best friend play with dogs of all sizes, then head downhill toward the ocean. You’ll see a large cement tsunami/erosion-prevention structure to walk along. Head north, and you’ll find two soft, sandy beaches separated by a long, man-made jetty. Access to these beaches can also be gained by driving down one of the roads that run north or south of the Misawa Dog Park entrance. Surfers like to park their rides on the outcropping above the beaches and watch the waves come in if they’re not out there on the water. If you feel like taking a longer walk, keep strolling north to find yourself on beautiful, sandy bluffs overlooking the ocean.

- Shimoda Park

Shimoda Park is a quiet, sparsely-populated park nestled amidst farmlands, about 15 minutes south of Misawa Air Base. “Shimoda” is a common Japanese name meaning “lower rice paddy.” Parkgoers might think it means “swan,” since the theme there are the large white birds, as signs and sculptures throughout the park indicate. In spring, cherry trees planted along every pathway show off their fresh growth. In summer, everything is radiant green. Fall is also picturesque in the park, because of the many changing leaves. No need to drive further!

Wanna relax? It’s easy here. Take a calming stroll in the section of the park accessed by a wooden walkway built above the flora and leading into a small canyon. There you can have a seat – and simply breathe – beneath the small, open, ramada-like shelter in the middle. Take a moment to absorb the sights and smells, and listen to the sound of wildlife all around while you gather your serenity.

Throughout the park, there are many trees, lots of walking paths and hikes uphill (for those wanting a bit more exertion), and a large, spacious playground adjacent to a pond for hours of kid fun. A stair-cased tower sits above the park on a hill bordering a quiet and clean campground, and visitors can climb inside it as well. Traversing further, paths lead past one soccer and two baseball fields, another pond/lake, and on woodsy, ascending trails. There is also an open-air theatre and stage across the street for festivals. Walking around the larger pond, you’ll see fish jumping and ducks and swans swimming. Every season is a delight in this park. What a perfect place to walk your dog and soak up nature!

- Lake Ogawara Beach Park

U.S. service members can enjoy the “Base Beach” on magnificent Lake Ogawara, bordering Misawa Air Base. However, if you wish to see more of the lake (from the Japanese side), check out Lake Ogawara Beach Park, only a few kilometers away from the base gate. Here, you can barbecue, take long walks, swim, and enjoy beautiful sunsets shimmering off the lake. Camping spots are available with reservations, and SUPs and kayaks are also for rent. It is from this park that Japanese and American people enjoy the 4th of July fireworks set alight on Base Beach. Spend a day – or a long weekend – enjoying the great outdoors in the Japanese countryside.

- Momoishi-Machi – ‘Statue of Liberty’ Park

This park has several different names, including Icho Park and Oirase Town Gingko Park, but Americans know it as the Statue of Liberty Park. It has just about everything park and nature lovers enjoy, plus… a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Here on the outskirts of neighboring Oirase, stands Japan’s largest, at 30 meters tall, built because the city shares the same latitude as New York City (40.40N). This local Lady Liberty overlooks a large pond and huge park complete with athletic center, community building, playground, one of the longest slides ever created, landscaped rock gardens, and so much more.

Walking through this park on the paths that lead around the pond or under tree canopies can take hours, because there’s so much to discover. The unique village of Momoishi lies to the west of the park and has some interesting architectural and whimsical landmarks, also worth a look.

- Ichou Park

Another hidden gem in the Misawa area is Ichou Park, located in Oirase and shown on maps as adjacent to the Statue of Liberty Park, via trails. Ichou is pure nature, with paths that lead through and around trees, streams, fence lines and small ponds. Bike paths are there for cycling enthusiasts, and because this is a smaller park, those paths lead from and into adjacent neighborhoods. Driving here, you might miss the entrance, because the park doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to itself. It’s simple and lovely.

With no crowds, any of these welcoming destinations close to Misawa relax body and soul, providing plenty of ways to unwind and great photo ops. If you’re ready to escape the congestion and noise, take a long, leisurely walk on the beach, or do your workout at the park while feasting your eyes on nature, head to one of Misawa’s natural treasures. You may find you’re the only human there!

Speakin’ Japanese

• Misawa is beautiful.: Misawa wa kirei desu.

• I love nature.: Shizen ga daisuki desu.

• Let’s go for a hike.: Haikingu ni ikimashou.

• Is that the Statue of Liberty?: Arewa Jiyu-no-megami desuka?

• Surf’s up!: Nami ga kita!

Misawa Air Base

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