Enjoy the Kamikita Area of Aomori! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Lake Ogawara

Have you ever found yourself flipping through a travel guidebook, wanting to visit every place you see, but realizing there just isn’t enough time? When it comes to sightseeing in Aomori Prefecture, the list is endless—Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Towada, Mount Hakkoda, Hirosaki Castle, and more.
This time, we will focus on Lake Ogawara, located in the southern part of Aomori's Kamikita area, and introduce recommended sightseeing spots around it. If you're wondering, "What is there to see in Kamikita?"—this guide is for you! To make the most of your limited time and explore efficiently, be sure to check out these must-visit spots.

1. Lake Ogawara

Lake Ogawara is the 11th largest lake in Japan and the largest in Aomori Prefecture. With its abundant fish supply, the lake is home to species such as whitebait (shirao), smelt (wakasagi), natural eel, swamp shrimp (numa ebi), and freshwater clams (shijimi). When viewed from above, Lake Ogawara has a uniquely distinctive shape, resembling a boot or a sock.
As a haven for fish, the lake is an excellent spot for fishing, but that’s not all—you can also enjoy lake swimming or kayaking. In winter, ice fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) is highly recommended. Make unforgettable memories at Lake Ogawara, a must-visit tourist destination in Kamikita!

2. Ogawarako Fureai Village Auto Camping Site

If you're visiting Lake Ogawara, camping is a highly recommended activity. The Ogawarako Fureai Village Auto Camping Site is located on an elevated area within Ogawarako Park, adjacent to the lake’s swimming area. It is approximately a 20-minute walk from Kamikita Station on the Aoimori Railway.
This campsite is perfect for beginners, offering rental tents, shower facilities, and cooking areas. Additionally, there is a spacious park with playground equipment, making it a favorite spot for children. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kamikita.
For overnight stays, visitors can choose between tents or cabin houses designed like lodges. During the annual Lake Water Festival in summer, reservations are in high demand and are managed through a pre-lottery system. If you're planning to visit during this period, it’s best to make reservations early. Make camping in the Kamikita area one of your most memorable experiences!

3. Moor Onsen – Ogawarako Onsenkyo

The Kamikita area is dotted with hot springs, and Tohoku Town in Kamikita District is one of its famous onsen destinations. Here, you can experience natural hot spring baths with free-flowing spring water. There are numerous day-use onsens and public bathhouses, making it an excellent stop while traveling around Kamikita or after camping.
The hot springs in this area are Moor Onsen (Mōru Onsen). The term Moor comes from the German word for "wetlands" or "peat bogs," and Moor Onsen refers to hot springs that contain plant-derived minerals. These onsens are known for their smooth, silky water and dark-colored appearance. Depending on the location, the water color varies from tea-brown to yellowish, making it fun to visit multiple onsens and compare their unique characteristics.
Visitors who have bathed in Moor Onsen frequently rave about how smooth and soft their skin feels afterward. With such glowing reviews, you’ll surely want to add this onsen experience to your Kamikita travel itinerary. Be sure to try Moor Onsen while exploring Kamikita!

4. Kawayo Green Ranch

Located in Oirase Town, Kamikita District, Kawayo Green Ranch spans approximately 50 hectares—about the size of 14 Tokyo Domes. It is just a 10-minute walk from Mukaiyama Station on the Aoimori Railway.
Inside the ranch, visitors can interact with sheep, horses, cows, and rabbits, making it a great place for both children and adults to enjoy various recreational activities. Some of the fun experiences include animal sketching and butter-making, which even young children can participate in. Older children can try sausage-making or wreath-making using seasonal flowers. A visit to this ranch is a great way for families to create special memories in Kamikita.
Feeling hungry? Why not enjoy a barbecue with a view of the ranch? The outdoor barbecue in the garden offers a fantastic dining experience. Visitors can choose from four different menu options, including the Genghis Khan course and the sirloin steak course. All necessary equipment is provided, so you can come empty-handed and still enjoy the experience. However, advance reservations are required for barbecues, so be sure to book in advance.

5. Agri no Sato Oirase – A Tourist Farm

No trip to Kamikita is complete without souvenirs! Agri no Sato Oirase is a multi-purpose tourist farm featuring a strawberry farm, fruit orchard, specialty store, and local produce market, allowing visitors to shop for souvenirs while sightseeing—truly the best of both worlds.
A must-try experience is strawberry picking, where you can taste fresh, ripe strawberries right off the vine. As the largest strawberry farm in Aomori Prefecture, it offers strawberry picking throughout the year, no matter the season.
The tropical orchard within the farm cultivates around 30 varieties of tropical fruits, making it a unique sight in the snowy Aomori Prefecture. Visitors can see exotic fruits growing in a region known for its cold climate. At the adjacent local produce market, bananas and passion fruits carefully grown on-site are available for purchase—perfect as souvenirs or to enjoy on the spot.
Inside the specialty store, the most popular item is the steamed bread, an exclusive treat that can only be found here. Made with mochi wheat, it is famous for its delightfully chewy texture. The store also sells Aomori-grown mochi wheat flour, which you can take home to make baked goods or okonomiyaki.
Other unique Kamikita products available here include kinako sticks made from locally grown soybeans in Tohoku Town, puffed rice snacks from Towada City, and burdock root tea made from burdock skins sourced in Misawa City. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs from the region, this is the place to visit.

6. Noheji Makado Onsen Ski Resort

Nestled between the Shimokita Peninsula and the Tsugaru Peninsula, Noheji Makado Onsen Ski Resort is located in Noheji Town, Kamikita District. With breathtaking views of Mutsu Bay, the resort offers dynamic skiing experiences. It features a variety of courses, including a panoramic course and a forest course stretching approximately 2 km, providing diverse terrain with varying slopes.
The course difficulty is divided into 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced slopes. The forest course, with a gentle 17-degree slope, is perfect for families. The resort also offers night-lit cross-country courses, available in 2 km, 3 km, and 5 km options.

◎ Summary

This time, we introduced six recommended tourist spots around Lake Ogawara in the Kamikita area of Aomori Prefecture. Kamikita is home to lakes, hot springs, ranches, and many other attractions where you can fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
It may be difficult to visit all the sites in a single trip, but by focusing on your preferred destinations and planning wisely, you can make the most of your time and enjoy a fulfilling sightseeing experience. Whether you explore the region’s rich landscapes, relax in its soothing hot springs, or savor its delicious local specialties, Kamikita is sure to offer an unforgettable adventure.

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Enjoy the Kamikita Area of Aomori! 6 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Lake Ogawara