A 20-minute drive from Misawa Air Base will lead you to Tohoku-machi, located on the southwest coast of Lake Ogawara in Aomori Prefecture. There are many must-see places there, but I would like to focus on the following three:

Koyu-kan (Michi-no-Eki, a roadside station) Tohoku-machi is surrounded by nature and is full of agricultural and fishery products. You can enjoy the wonderful gifts of nature at Koyu-kan. Seasonal products are very fresh and the prices are incredibly reasonable. You may also find interesting handicrafts there.

There is a restaurant called Poroto Pier in the same building. Poroto means “large lake” in the Ainu language. Shijimi Ramen (ramen noodles in freshwater clam broth) is very popular, but of course you can find many other local dishes.

Hohko-kan (A community center) The building next to Koyu-kan is Hohko-kan, a sort of community center. There is pool, spa, sauna, cooking room, language lesson room, etc. It’s a great place to relax your mind and body!

Ogawara-ko (Lake Ogawara) Lake Ogawara is very close to both Koyu-kan and Hohko-kan. The lake is huge and is the largest in the prefecture. It even has its own address! If you’re a bike rider, I strongly suggest pedaling around the lake. It’s a 40-mile trek, but it’s beautiful!

If you’re a camper, Lakeside Park in Tokohu-machi has camping facilities and a playground. It’s perfect place for a family stay. You can there by Kamikita

If you are not driving, you can get to Tokoku-machi by taking the JR line to Kamikita Station.