Discover the Heart of Northeastern Japan’s Lakefront Charm
Nestled at the gateway to Ogawara Lake in Tōhoku Town, Ogawara-ko roadside station is a vibrant hub where local culture, seasonal flavors, and natural beauty converge. More than a stop along the road, it’s a celebration of regional pride, offering fresh farm produce, unique local cuisine, and immersive experiences. From the famous shirauo fish festivals to seasonal harvest events and relaxing foot baths, every visit reveals a new layer of authentic Japanese countryside life.
Why Visit
Visit Ogawara-ko to experience the only roadside station in the region featuring a dedicated shirauo (sweetfish) donburi festival, where you can savor freshly prepared, seasonal donburi made from locally caught fish. Additionally, enjoy hands-on access to the unique “Shijimiru” foot bath, a signature thermal soak infused with mineral-rich water from the lake’s ecosystem.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh local flavors at Ogawara-ko, where seasonal ingredients meet coastal charm.
Shirauo Donburi Restaurant
しらうお丼
Specialty
Local specialty dish featuring fresh whitefish from Ogawara Lake
A dedicated eatery offering the famous Shirauo Donburi, a regional delicacy made with freshly caught whitefish from Ogawara Lake. The restaurant provides a cozy, rustic atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Ogawara Lake Kitchen Car
道の駅おがわら湖キッチンカー
Specialty
Mobile food vendors offering diverse regional cuisine
A rotating selection of food trucks and mobile vendors serving a variety of local dishes. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for quick bites and sampling seasonal specialties.
Local Beef & Meat Specialty
東北町産牛肉
Specialty
Premium A5 Black Wagyu beef from local farms
A dedicated restaurant specializing in high-quality A5 Black Wagyu beef from the region. The dining experience emphasizes traditional Japanese cooking methods and the rich, marbled texture of the beef.
Shijimi-ru Original Café
しじみーるカフェ
Specialty
Local seafood-themed café with specialty drinks and snacks
A charming café themed around the local shijimi clam, offering a relaxed atmosphere with light meals, desserts, and signature drinks. The space is designed to reflect the natural beauty of Ogawara Lake.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and farm-fresh produce at Ogawara-ko’s vibrant market.
Farmers Market
産直友の会
A local farmers' market offering fresh seasonal produce directly from regional farms.
Products
Must-Try Item
Autumn-harvested long yam
Local Craft & Souvenir Shop
手作り工芸品
A shop selling handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans and community groups.
Products
Must-Try Item
Prison-made crafts
Local Food & Beverage Store
地産地消食品
A general store offering a variety of locally produced food and drink items.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shijimi clam sauce
Railway Merchandise Store
青い森鉄道グッズ
A shop selling official merchandise from the Aomori Railway, including branded apparel and accessories.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shijimi-ru Original Polo Shirt
Featured Products
Taste the essence of Ogawara-ko through signature seafood and seasonal specialties.
Ogawara Lake Whitefish (Shirauo)
小川原湖しらうお
Fresh whitefish caught in Ogawara Lake, known for its delicate flavor and firm texture.
Autumn-Harvested Long Yam
秋掘りながいも
Fresh long yam harvested in autumn, known for its sweet and creamy texture.
Shijimi Clam Sauce
しじみーるソース
Authentic sauce made from locally harvested shijimi clams, perfect for pasta and rice dishes.
A5 Black Wagyu Beef
A5黒毛和牛
Premium quality A5-grade beef from local farms, known for its rich marbling and tenderness.
Shijimi-ru Original Polo Shirt
しじみーるオリジナルポロシャツ
Branded polo shirt featuring the Shijimi-ru logo, made from high-quality fabric.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with thoughtful amenities designed for comfort and convenience.
Parking
A parking area is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors.
Inside the main building
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
A visitor information center provides maps, local guides, and assistance.
Main reception area
Play Area
A children's play area is available at the nearby fureai village (familiar village).
Fureai Village
Hot Spring
A day-use hot spring facility is available, including foot baths and hand baths.
Near the lake side
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for cash withdrawals.
Near the main entrance
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Inside the main building
Activities & Experiences
Engage in hands-on workshops and seasonal events that bring the region’s spirit to life.
Fishing Experience
釣り体験
Participants can enjoy fishing in the scenic Ogawara Lake, learning basic techniques and enjoying the peaceful environment.
Duration
60 min
Seasonal Harvest Festival
旬の収穫祭
Join local farmers in harvesting seasonal vegetables and fruits, experiencing the joy of farm-to-table produce.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activity; check weather conditions before participation.
Cooking Workshop
料理教室
Learn to prepare local specialties such as shirauo rice bowl and regional dishes using fresh ingredients from the area.
Duration
90 min
Lakeside Nature Walk
湖畔散策
Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Ogawara Lake, enjoying the natural beauty and local wildlife.
Duration
45 min
Wear appropriate footwear; avoid walking during rainy or slippery conditions.
Hot Spring Soaking
足湯
Relax and soothe your feet in the warm foot bath, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the lakeside area.
Duration
30 min
Closed on Wednesdays; avoid use during heavy rain or snow.
Local Craft Demonstration
手作り体験
Participate in hands-on crafting using local materials, such as creating souvenirs from regional products.
Duration
60 min
Fishing with Doctor Fish
ドクターフィッシュ足湯
Soak your feet in a special foot bath where small fish gently clean the skin, offering a unique and relaxing experience.
Duration
20 min
Temporarily suspended; check current status before visiting.
Farm-to-Table Vegetable Tasting
野菜詰め放題
Enjoy unlimited sampling of fresh, locally grown vegetables during seasonal harvest events.
Duration
60 min
Outdoor event; may be affected by weather conditions.
Insider Tips
Maximize your visit with local insights on timing, events, and hidden gems.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekdays to secure a spot at the seasonal vegetable tasting counter during the "産直友の会 秋の収穫祭" (Autumn Harvest Festival), as free samples of freshly picked local produce are available only until 11:30 AM.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "しじみーるオリジナルポロシャツ" (Shijimieru Original Polo Shirts) display near the entrance to purchase limited-edition merchandise from the roadside station’s collaboration with the local fishing community.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays, attend the "東北町しらうお丼まつり" (Shirauo Donburi Festival) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where you can sample or buy freshly prepared local fish rice bowls made with small川原湖 catch.
- Food Experience: Try the "キッチンカーフェス" (Kitchen Car Festival) event every Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when rotating food trucks serve regional specialties like grilled shirauo and local dairy desserts.
- Unique Activity: Access the "ふれあい村" (Fureai Village) playground area by entering through the back entrance near the lakeside parking lot—this is the only spot at Ogawara-ko where children can play on the dedicated adventure course, open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Seasonal Purchase: Buy "秋掘りながいも" (Autumn-dug long yam) from the direct-producer stand between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM during October and November, as these are harvested that month and sold only while supplies last.
- Special Facility: Use the "しじみ―湯" (Shijimi-On) foot and hand bath, open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, located just past the main parking area—its warm, mineral-rich water is sourced from the nearby lake and is ideal for relaxing after exploring the surrounding area.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spring brings the annual shirauo donburi festival on May 5, celebrating the region's famed whitefish. The roadside station also hosts seasonal events like the spring kitchen car festival and meat festival.
Summer (June-August): Summer features the Lake Ogawara Festival on July 26 and the summer kitchen car festival. The lakeside area offers outdoor activities and fresh local seafood.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn highlights include the autumn harvest festival in October, the shirauo donburi festival in November, and the sale of freshly dug long yams.
Winter (December-February): Winter offers the winter preparation sale and special events like the Santa train arrival, with cozy foot baths and local produce available.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Features a dedicated children's playground and interactive activities, with family-friendly food options and stroller-accessible facilities.
Food Lover Review
Offers diverse local specialties, fresh seasonal produce, and multiple dining experiences including seasonal festivals and food events.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and basic facilities; overnight stays possible but not explicitly promoted or designed for camping.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts scenic lake views, photo-worthy spots, and seasonal natural beauty with a peaceful lakeside atmosphere.