Last Updated on April 7, 2022
This guest post is contributed by Liz Byrne, a military spouse formerly stationed at Misawa Air Base. In this post, she has provided a plethora of things to do in and around Misawa Air Base in Japan.
Misawa Air Base is located in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost area of Tohoku. It offers opportunities abound to enjoy delicious foods, beautiful lands, and family fun. Misawa AB is a city in itself, but be sure to get out the gate and explore. It can be intimidating at first, but don’t let that hold you back. You won’t regret it! Keep reading for suggestions on how to EAT, PLAY, and SOAK in and near Misawa City.
Places to Eat Around Misawa Air Base
Phada’s Thai
Enjoy some authentic Thai food at Phada’s Thai. Run by native Thai cooks, they’ll transport you to Thailand with their delicious dishes. Feel free to ask for modifications for each dish – they are able to increase or decrease spice levels or add additional ingredients to the dish.
Ankur Indian
Head right outside of Misawa Air Base’s gate to find Ankur Indian Restaurant. They have a great selection of Indian food for dining as well as catering!
Cafe Live Forever
Café Live Forever has some of the best scones in town! Be sure to check their site for hours, as they close on different days during the week.
Starbucks
If you’re thinking, “Starbucks is Starbucks”, think again! Starbucks in Japan is an entirely different, and better, experience than its American counterpart.
Thunder Ramen
Thunder Ramen is a favorite around Misawa Air Base. Be sure to try their popular miso or BBQ ramen.
CoCo Curry
CoCo Curry is a chain restaurant that specializes in Japanese-style curry. You can customize your order based on spice level, add-ins, and rice portions.
Aguri No Sato
Aguri No Sato is an organic buffet, farmer’s market, greenhouse, and more! They even have year-round strawberry picking.
Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ
Similar to Korean BBQ, Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ is a fun and interactive dining experience. This chain has restaurants all over the world – even in the U.S.!
Uotami Izakaya
Uotami Izakaya is Japanese Izakaya (tavern) that is open late and serves snacks, sake, and other spirits.
Konbini
Konbini is a name for Japanese convenience stores. These unassuming shops offer full meals for super cheap without compromising quality or taste!
Places to Play and Things to Do around Misawa Air Base
Shimoda Mall
Shimoda Mall offers shopping, a food court, movie theater, arcade, and play place for the kiddos.
Oirase-cho Ginkgo Park
Oirase-cho Ginkgo Park is also known as Statue of Liberty Park – yes, Japan has its very own Statue of Liberty! In addition to the iconic statue, the park offers a play area for kids, a gym, and a lake.
Towada Horse Park
Towada Horse Park (also known as Komakko Land) is a park with slides, horses, a museum, and more!
Misawa Ice Rink
Take a trip to the Misawa Ice Rink to enjoy some time public skating with your family and friends. Note that public skate hours change monthly. Be sure to check their website and make reservations prior to your visit.
Fruit Picking in nearby Nambu
Head to Nambu to enjoy an afternoon of picking fruit with the family. (Bonus points if you make your spouse an apple pie!)
Hachinohe Fantasy Dome and Lapia Mall
Hachinohe’s Lapia Mall is similar to Shimoda Mall but bigger! Head here for a perfect rainy-day activity. Be sure to check out the Fantasy Dome, which is fun for the whole family.
100 Yen Shops
Daiso and Seria offer endless items you never know you needed. Think of it like the Target of American Dollar stores, except way cleaner, better quality, and way more useful stuff!
Go Skiing
There are plenty of places within a few hours’ drive of Misawa Air Base to go skiing. Appi Kogen Ski Resort, Makado Onsen Ski Resort, Aomori Spring Ski Resort, or Hachimantai Ski Resort (to name a few).
Morioka Children’s Museum of Science
The Morioka Children’s Museum of Science is about a 3-hour drive, but well worth it for the littles. Check out their site for specific events you can attend.
Thrifting/Antiquing
Bring home some souvenirs from an antique shop in Japan! Check out Kanemi-san Antique Store & Sake factory in Shichinohe.
Places to Soak around Misawa Air Base
There are a few things to know before you soak in an onsen (bath house). Taking a Japanese bath is not just taking off your clothes and hopping in. (Yes, you go in your birthday suit!). It’s a whole process, which is intended to be enjoyed, and not just for the purpose of getting clean.
After you find a locker or a basket for your items, bring your onsen towel and bath products into the shower area. Grab a stool from the stack and get clean in front of one of the many tiny shower areas.
Only then, once you are squeaky clean, hop on into the water and soak your troubles away!
Japan has hot springs throughout and you can find onsens everywhere! (Look for the steaming bowl symbol). Here are just a few of many:
- Kuko Onsen (Misawa Airport Onsen)
- Aoba Onsen
- Hoshino Resort Onsen (available for guests only, but anyone is welcome to the outside foot onsen)
- Kawamura Onsen (right outside the front gate)
- Aguri No Sato buffet has a foot onsen inside the building next to the greenhouse
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liz Byrne is not only a former military spouse at Misawa Air Base in Japan, but wanderluster at heart. She is a military spouse and mom to two beautiful daughters, Mackenzie and Hailey. Liz loves to travel, explore, hike, trail run, and be behind a camera.
“I wonder where that dirt road goes.
And I take it… “
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LOOKING FOR MILITARY SPOUSE CONTRIBUTORS!
Want to contribute YOUR recommendations of where to travel or things to do near the military base you’re stationed at (or have been at)? CONTACT ME! I’m always looking for military spouses to contribute their valuable knowledge and experiences to help other spouses in the future 🙂 Email me at catchthedrifttravel@gmail.com or contact me here!
