Situated in the Northern region of Japan, specifically in the Aomori Prefecture, this vast Japanese metropolis is renowned for its military facilities. Despite this, Misawa boasts a plethora of other attractions that are certain to charm all visitors!
It is a popular destination among lovers of history and knowledge, with many museums and historical sites to choose from. There is the Misawa Aviation and Science Museum, where visitors can see brilliantly restored WWII aircraft, and the Shuji Terayama Museum, where tourists can walk through and learn more about this fascinating poet, film director, and photographer.
Misawa is also ideal for nature lovers, with many parks, trails, and green areas that welcome visitors. One of the most beautiful places to visit during the springtime is the Misawa City Shiminnomori Park, where the Cherry Blossoms are so full their falling petals look like pink rain. The winter months in Misawa are equally pretty, and many travelers stop by Hirosaki Castle to see the trees covered in lush snow.
Here’s our list of favorite things to do in Misawa, Japan.
The 21 Most Popular Things To Do In Misawa, Japan
21. Hirosaki Castle (at Hirosaki Park)
4.3 ★★★★☆ (8303 reviews)
Credit: usainohugahuga, CC BY 3.0 | Wikimedia Commons
Location: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356, Japan
Tel: +81 172-33-8739
Web Address: https://www.hirosakipark.jp/
Constructed in the early 1600s, Horisaki Castle is one of Japan’s national Historic Sites and Important Cultural Properties. This Hirayama-style castle is one of the seven most famous in the country and is set within beautiful grounds. Here, visitors can relax among the stunning cherry blossoms, enjoy some fresh air, and soak up the fascinating history of the building. This is an especially popular attraction in the summer months.
20. Misawa Air Base
4.4 ★★★★☆ (93 reviews)
Credit: Herry Lawford, CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons
Location: Ushirokubo-125-7 Misawa, Aomori 033-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 176-53-4121
Web Address: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/misawa/top.html
This air base plays host to Japan’s Self-Defense Force, as well as the United States’ Navy and Air Forces. In 2023, the base was also home to a Market Day. Here, locals and visitors alike enjoy a day of dining, shopping, and fun family-friendly activities. The Market Day was held to support the local community, as well as to showcase the country’s commitment to strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and Japan.
19. Misawa Horse Park
4.5 (2 reviews)
Credit: 三沢ホースパーク misawa horse park, Google Maps
Location: 4 Chome 298 51 Yachigashira Misawa Aomori
Tel: 70 2013 7409
Web Address: https://misawa-horse-park.com/
If you’re an animal lover, be sure to stop by the Misawa Horse Park while you’re in the city. The park is home to various horses and offers horseback riding experiences and lessons. More cautious visitors can also opt to buy carrots to feed the horses.
18. Matsuzono Park
4.5 (2 reviews)
Credit: K-umi Hibiki, Google Maps
Location: 1 Chome 11 Matsuzonocho Misawa Aomori
Web Address: https://misawa-ryokuka.jimdofree.com/
This is another great park for visitors to enjoy with young ones. The park is home to playground equipment like swings, slides, and seesaws. It is located in a pretty residential area and tends to be quiet, making it the ideal place to relax while watching the kids play.
17. Towada City Central Park
4.7 (3 reviews)
Location: 1 Chome 5 Sakuracho Misawa Aomori
Web Address: https://misawa-ryokuka.jimdofree.com/%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%E3%81%AE%E3%81%94%E6%A1%88%E5%86%85/%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/
Located just thirty minutes from Misawa, Towada City Central Park is home to cherry and pine trees that line its paved walkways. It is also located near the Towada Art Center. Here, visitors and locals can enjoy mingling and taking in the local art scene. The area also often plays host to festivals that are well worth seeing.
16. Misawa Park
3.8 (6 reviews)
Location: 4 Chome 31 3530 Shincho Misawa Aomori
This is one of the prettiest parks in the area. It offers a wide range of activities, from walking the many trails to fishing for crayfish in the ponds. It also offers beautiful scenery, with blooming trees, lotus flowers, and wildlife such as rabbits and foxes. It is also an excellent place to spot some fireflies!
15. Kogane Park
3.9 (7 reviews)
Location: @033 0123 Aomori Misawa Horiguchi Chome
Web Address: https://misawa-ryokuka.jimdofree.com/
Located in a residential neighborhood, Kogane Park is a great attraction for families traveling with children. There is playground equipment and large open areas of grass where kids can play as they please. Keep in mind, however, that parking can get limited.
14. Lake Uchinuma
4.2 (9 reviews)
Credit: utumi takeshi, Google Maps
Located just over forty minutes from Misawa, Uchinuma Lake is another great attraction for lovers of the great outdoors. Here, visitors can observe a variety of birdlife, including the greater white-fronted goose, and see beautiful lotus flowers in bloom.
13. Takahoko Swamp/ Wetland Area
3.6 (11 reviews)
If you’re looking for a place to observe some local birds and wildlife, Takahoko Swamp is a great option. Visitors also often enjoy watching the sunrise or sunset over the lake.
12. Minohara Park
3.2 (17 reviews)
Credit: AomoriTube青森チューブ 青い森大学ウェルビーイング学部スマートシティ学科実装体験感想専攻, Google Maps
Location: @033 0033 Aomori Misawa Minohara Chome
This lovely little local park is an excellent place to relax or take your children. It is home to restroom facilities and a playground that is bound to entertain younger visitors.
11. Pacific Ocean Observatory
4.6 (19 reviews)
Location: PCW8+M5 Misawa Aomori
Located on a wide stretch of beach, the Pacific Ocean Observatory consists of a big tower. Here, visitors can enjoy some stunning views of the ocean and the local wildlife. The beach is also a great place for other ocean-related activities like surfing and collecting shells. It tends to be quiet, making it an excellent place to relax.
10. Momoishi-Machi – Model of Statue of Liberty
3.9 (20 reviews)
Location: Higashishimoyachi Oirase Kamikita District Aomori
Web Address: https://town.oirase.aomori.jp/soshiki/2310/megami.html
Japan’s largest replica of the Statue of Liberty can be found just twenty minutes from Misawa, in the town of Oirase. This popular tourist attraction was built in 1990, to celebrate the town’s shared latitude with New York City. The latitude contains two fours (40.40 N.) and, as a result, the town opted to build the statue one-quarter the height of the original Statue of Liberty. The statue stands just over twenty meters tall and offers an excellent photo opportunity.
9. Lake Anenuma
4.1 (20 reviews)
Credit: Malloree Eady, License, Flickr
Lake Anenuma is a popular spot for ice fishing and smelt fishing during the winter months of January to February. It is also a great attraction for families, with many beautiful walking trails. Tents and other equipment can be rented on-site, and it is a great spot for visitors to mingle with locals.
Our Top picks
8. Ichou park
3.3 (4 reviews)
Location: 6 Chome 5 20 Yokodai Oirase Kamikita District Aomori
Ichou Park is an excellent child-friendly attraction. It is ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The park is home to hiking trails, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or runs, and a beautiful lake. The park also has cherry blossoms that bloom in the springtime, and summer-blooming hydrangeas.
7. Seaside Park
4.2 (5 reviews)
Location: Hitokawame Oirase Kamikita District Aomori
Tel: 178 56 2111
Web Address: https://town.oirase.aomori.jp/soshiki/2120/kouen.html
Located next to the ocean, this picturesque park is ideal for taking a relaxed stroll along the shore or collecting shells. It is considered a hidden gem and is often very quiet. The park is also a great place for fishing and camping, and admission is free. It can get windy, so be sure to pack warm clothes.
6. Shimoda Park
4.2 (51 reviews)
Credit: miyako little trip, Google Maps
Location: Oirase Kamikita District Aomori
This is a great attraction to visit while traveling with children. There is a zip line and fork to keep younger visitors entertained. The park is also home to a wide range of birdlife and beautiful scenery.
5. Veedol Beach
3.7 (81 reviews)
Located just thirty minutes from Misawa Air Base, Veedol Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. This white sandy beach stretches over an area of three hundred meters and is named after a 1930s airplane called “Miss Veedol”. Parking is free and the beach is home to shower and restroom facilities. There are also lifeguards on duty throughout the day. Veedol Beach is one of our top things to do while in Misawa, Japan.
4. Lake Ogawara
3.9 (103 reviews)
Credit: 663highland, License, Wikimedia commons
Lake Ogawara is one of the biggest lakes in Japan. It is home to great waterfalls and a variety of birdlife, perfect for any nature lover. There is a beach with BBQ areas and boat rentals available to take out onto the lake.
3. Tateno Park
3.9 (176 reviews)
Location: @039 2371 Aomori Kamikita District Rokunohe Inuotose Shibayama
Tel: 176 55 3111
Web Address: http://aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00000707.html
Dating back to the early 1900s, Tateno Park consists of eighteen hectares of stunning natural beauty. It is known for its cherry blossoms that bloom towards the end of April, and its fishing and boating opportunities. It is also an excellent spot to take in gorgeous views of the Hakkoda Mountains, and plays host annually to the Rokunohe Spring Festival.
2. Shuji Terayama Museum
4.2 (192 reviews)
Credit: 663highland, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Sabishirotai 116 2955 Misawa Aomori
Tel: 176 59 3434
Web Address: http://terayamaworld.com/museum.html
This museum is dedicated to Shuji Terayama, who grew up in Aomori. Terayama is known for his poetry, photography, and films. It is ideal for families traveling with kids, as well as art lovers and film enthusiasts.
1. Misawa Aviation Science Museum
4.4 (240 reviews)
Credit: 663highland, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Kitayama 158 Misawa Aomori
Tel: 176 50 7777
Web Address: https://kokukagaku.jp/
History buffs and airplane enthusiasts will be delighted by this aerospace museum. Operating since 2003, the museum is located next to Misawa Airport and contains a wealth of exhibitions on aviation history. Visitors can enjoy everything from flight simulators and full-scale models of historic aircraft to the runway observation deck.
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Misawa, Japan! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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