Discover the Heart of Aomori’s Natural Bounty
Nestled along the serene shores of Jūsankō Lake in Goshogawara, Jūsankō Kōgen is a roadside station where the beauty of nature meets the warmth of local tradition. Surrounded by lush forests and framed by the majestic silhouette of Mount Iwaki, this vibrant hub offers travelers a perfect escape from the everyday. More than just a pit stop, it’s a gateway to authentic regional experiences.
Visitors can savor the famed Jūsankō clams in signature dishes like clam ramen and clam rice, or enjoy fresh local beef at the on-site restaurant. The shop features an array of regional specialties—from handcrafted hinoki wood items and Japanese sea stone to seasonal produce and handmade soaps. With seasonal events like the Shūra Gastronomy Carnival and the Jūsankō Kōgen Festival, there’s always something special to celebrate.
Why Visit
Visit Jūsankō Kōgen for its exclusive Shijimi Ramen, made with fresh local clams from the unique waters of Shijimi Lake, and enjoy it at the roadside station’s only dedicated ramen counter. The site also features the region’s sole artisanal clam ice cream, crafted from locally harvested Yama-to Shijimi, offering a taste impossible to find elsewhere. Surrounded by panoramic views of Mount Iwaki and the serene lake, this roadside station delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of local flavor and natural beauty.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Jūsankō Kōgen's restaurant, where lake views meet dishes like shijimi ramen and beef specialties.
Shinjiru Ramen Restaurant
市浦ラーメン
Specialty
Local specialty ramen featuring fresh Shijimi clams
A cozy dining spot nestled in the scenic highlands, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy traditional ramen dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including fresh Shijimi clams from the nearby lake.
Shopping Highlights
Discover regional treasures at Jūsankō Kōgen’s market, featuring fresh seafood, woodcrafts, and handmade soaps.
Local Products Sales Corner
物産販売コーナー
A dedicated retail space offering a wide variety of regional and local products from the area and nearby municipalities.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Yamato Shijimi Clams
Tosamu Green Park Shop
トーサムグリーンパーク
A general retail shop located within the roadside station, offering a variety of local goods and souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shijimi Clam Products
Featured Products
Try signature items like fresh shijimi clams, Japanese sea silk, and Aomori hinoki crafts, proudly made in the region.
Yamato Shijimi Clams
ヤマトシジミ
Fresh clams harvested from the pristine waters of Lake Jusanko, known for their delicate flavor and tender texture.
Japanese Sea Stone
綿石
Natural sea stones collected from the shores of the Japan Sea, valued for their unique texture and aesthetic appeal.
Aomori Hinoki Woodcraft
青森ヒバの木工品
Handcrafted wooden items made from Aomori Hinoki cedar, known for their durability and natural fragrance.
Local Soap
石鹸
Natural soap made with local ingredients, ideal for skincare and eco-friendly use.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with convenient amenities including parking, restrooms, and scenic viewpoints at Jūsankō Kōgen.
Parking Lot
A parking lot is available at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors at the roadside station.
At the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with local attractions, events, and services.
At the roadside station premises
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the park area of the roadside station.
Within the park area
Restaurant
A restaurant serves local specialties such as Shi-jimi ramen, Shi-jimi set meals, and Matsusaka beef. It operates from 10:30 to 18:00 (17:00 last order) in April–October, and 10:30 to 17:00 (16:00 last order) in November–March.
On-site at the roadside station
Local Products Sales Area
A sales area offers fresh local products such as Yamato Shi-jimi, Japanese sea cotton stone, Aomori hinoki woodcrafts, soap, and other regional goods.
On-site at the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station.
At the parking area
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events and hands-on workshops, from local festivals to nature-inspired experiences.
Food Festival: Shiura Gourmet Carnival
食の祭典！「市浦グルメカーニバル」
Enjoy a variety of local foods and culinary delights at this seasonal food festival featuring regional specialties from Shiura.
Duration
120 min
Thirteen Lake Highland Festival
あそびにおいでよ！「十三湖高原まつり」
Participate in fun outdoor activities and cultural events at this seasonal festival celebrating the natural beauty of Thirteen Lake Highlands.
Duration
180 min
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy quieter views and better access to fresh local goods and events.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:30 AM during the 4th to 10th months to secure a seat at the restaurant before the lunch rush, as the last order is taken at 5:00 PM and the dining area fills quickly.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays to find the day’s fresh batch of Yamato Clams, which are only available in limited quantities and sell out quickly.
- Weekend Special: On weekends during the “Shiura Gourmet Carnival” event (typically mid-October), arrive between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM to experience the live food truck lineup featuring local seafood specialties like Shijimi Ramen and grilled fish skewers.
- Seasonal Product Tip: During the 11th to 3rd month period, visit the sales counter between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to purchase the exclusive Shijimi Tofu, a seasonal item available only during winter months and often sold out by noon.
- Best Photo Spot: Take a photo at the western-facing viewpoint just past the restaurant entrance around 3:30 PM in late autumn to capture the reflection of Mount Iwaki in the lake, especially when the sunlight hits the water at a low angle.
- Parking Strategy: Park in the far-left section of the lot (closest to the forest trail) when visiting during the “Jusanko Kōgen Matsuri” event, as the main lot fills up by 11:00 AM and this area remains available for latecomers.
- Dining Discount: Ask for the “Shijimi Special” menu when ordering at the restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM in the winter months (November to March) to receive a 10% discount on any Shijimi-based dish.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots available in early spring; peak season for canola flower viewing in late April.
Summer (June-August): Annual "Jūsankō Kōgen Matsuri" festival held mid-August; lake views and mountain air ideal for summer escapes.
Autumn (September-November): "Shiura Gourmet Carnival" takes place in October, featuring local seafood and seasonal produce.
Winter (December-February): Limited hours; visit for quiet mountain scenery and local crafts during cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area and family events like the annual festival. Features kid-friendly meals and stroller-accessible paths. Educational elements include local history exhibits and seasonal activities.
Food Lover Review
Features a dedicated restaurant serving local specialties like shijimi ramen and shijimi set meals. Offers fresh local produce and a wide range of regional products including seafood, wooden crafts, and soaps.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms and vending machines. Offers a quiet, scenic location with ample parking. Overnight stays are permitted, though no explicit policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of Jusanko Lake and distant Iwaki Mountain. Features well-designed viewpoints and seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.