Things To Do
in Misawa
Misawa is a charming city located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including lush forests and scenic coastlines. The city is home to a U.S. military base, which has influenced its culture and economy.
Misawa offers a mix of traditional Japanese culture and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Misawa City Gymnasium for a morning workout. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a nearby café.
Visit the Misawa Aviation & Science Museum to learn about local aerospace history. Grab lunch at a local ramen shop afterward.
Stroll through the Misawa City Night Market for local crafts and food. Try some yakitori while enjoying live music performances.
Head out to Lake Ogawara for some sunrise views and a refreshing walk. Bring your camera to capture the serene landscape.
Have a picnic by the lake while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Engage in water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
Dine at a lakeside restaurant featuring fresh local fish dishes. Relax by the water as the sun sets, reflecting on a lovely day spent in nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
- Low crime rate, making it a safe place to live or visit.
- Strong sense of community among locals.
- Access to various outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing.
- Limited job opportunities, especially in certain industries.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall.
- Some amenities and services may be less available compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Transportation options may be limited, requiring a personal vehicle.
Best Activities in Misawa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the scenic trails and stunning views around Lake Towada, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Experience world-class powder snow at Hakkoda Mountains, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Explore the picturesque Shimokita Peninsula on two wheels, with various cycling routes offering beautiful coastal scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Misawa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Misawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Misawa city and the Pacific Ocean.
Allows visitors to enjoy a unique aerial perspective of the city and the adjacent Misawa Air Base.
Food in Misawa
Misawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local delicacy made of grilled beef tongue, often served with a side of rice and miso soup. Try it at Rikyuan restaurant or at the food stalls in Misawa Station.
Must-Try!
This hearty ramen dish features a flavor-packed broth and chewy noodles. Visit Sanrokumaru Ramen shop for an authentic taste of this Misawa favorite.
Miso-marinated scallops grilled to perfection. Enjoy this savory seafood dish at Izakaya Kishi or other local seafood restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Misawa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a variety of fresh seafood including sashimi, sea urchin, and crab. Don't miss the opportunity to taste street food like grilled scallops and seafood skewers from the stalls surrounding the market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Misawa, it is customary to bow when greeting someone as a sign of respect. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the formality of the situation.
When entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments, it is respectful to remove your shoes before stepping inside.
Japanese culture values personal space, so it's important to be mindful of physical proximity and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public places.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Misawa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Misawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Misawa. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. In fact, tipping can sometimes be seen as rude or insulting.
Payment practices in Misawa, Japan are predominantly cash-based. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's still common for smaller businesses to prefer cash. Contactless payment methods such as IC cards (e.g. Suica, Pasmo) and mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Misawa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Misawa, Japan is during spring (March to May) when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.
Summer (June to August) is a popular time for outdoor activities and festivals, but it can be hot and humid.
Autumn (September to November) is another good time to visit, with beautiful fall foliage and comfortable weather.
Winter (December to February) brings snow and cold temperatures, but it's a great time for winter sports and enjoying scenic snowscapes.
Misawa at Night
Hiking in Misawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mt. Iwaki is a famous mountain located near Misawa, offering various hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to see local wildlife.
This trail runs along the Shichinohe-Towada Expressway and provides access to scenic hiking routes that feature beautiful vistas and serene forest areas.
Located in Misawa, this trail offers a more family-friendly hiking experience with well-marked paths and opportunities to explore local flora and fauna.
A bit further out, the Hakkoda Mountains offer more challenging hikes with breathtaking views and natural hot springs, perfect for a day trip from Misawa.
A local park with well-maintained trails, ideal for leisurely hikes and enjoying nature without venturing too far from Misawa.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Misawa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Misawa by plane.
Located approximately 61 kilometers from Misawa, Aomori Airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Situated around 90 kilometers away from Misawa, Akita Airport offers domestic flights and limited international connections.
About 130 kilometers from Misawa, Shonai Airport primarily serves domestic routes, with some seasonal international flights.
Approximately 150 kilometers from Misawa, Sendai Airport is a major international airport providing a variety of domestic and international services.
Located about 300 kilometers from Misawa, New Chitose Airport is the main gateway to Hokkaido and offers extensive international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Misawa, consisting primarily of individuals who identify as Japanese and are native to the area.
A significant demographic group due to the presence of the U.S. Air Force base, including active service members and their families.
A smaller demographic group that includes both longtime residents and newer arrivals, contributing to the cultural landscape.
Comprising individuals from various countries around the world, including Western and Asian nations, who work or reside in Misawa.
An aging population segment that reflects broader demographic trends in Japan, focusing on older adults living in the area.
The Soul of Misawa
Discover the essence of Misawa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Misawa, with local teams and youth leagues actively participating in competitions.
Soccer has gained a strong following in Misawa, thanks to local clubs and schools promoting the sport through various leagues.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced widely in Misawa, contributing to both physical fitness and cultural heritage.
Volleyball is popular in Misawa, especially among school teams and community recreational leagues, with many tournaments held throughout the year.
Running events, including marathons and fun runs, take place regularly in Misawa, attracting participants of all ages and skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Misawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Misawa offer vegetarian and vegan dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based dishes, and sushi with vegetable fillings. Places like Café de Amigos and some sushi restaurants provide specific menu items for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Finding gluten-free options may require some communication with restaurant staff, as soy sauce and other ingredients containing gluten are commonly used in Japanese cooking. However, some restaurants are accommodating and can modify dishes to be gluten-free upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Misawa with these cultural adventures.
