Shimoda Swan Park

Shimoda Swan Park or Shimoda City Park is located right outside Misawa. It is a very beautiful and relaxing park to visit. The grounds is home to two lakes, playgrounds, an observation tower, museum and walking trail. My favorite part is the Calla Lily garden seen above left. The observation tower is not for those with a phobia of heights (my knees were shaking... :). There is also a baseball field that can be rented and soccer fields.

Many of the swans that occupy Magi Pond are gone for the summer, but we got a glimpse of the last two left. There are about 20,000 swans that migrate from Siberia to Japan every year. Approximately 1,000 of them make Shimoda Park their home for the winter.

Facilities: There is no food available only vending machines. During normal hours restrooms are opened and available. The museum is open during normal business hours.

Directions: Travel out the POL gate and straight thru about 7 stoplights. When you reach Nogawa Furniture Store keep traveling straight. You will pass Netz Toyota, Jam Friend Club(Pachinko), Eneos Gas Station (keep going toward the toll road). When you reach the intersection with the Pachinko Parlor on the left corner and Circle K on your right make a left and travel towards Kihi Shrine (windy road). After about 3 kilometers you will pass the Strawberry Fields nursery and under a bridge. At the stoplight (car dealership on the right, nursery on the left) make a left. Travel down this road about 1.5 kilometers until the first stop sign with a large sign that has a swan and arrow pointing in the direction of the park. It is about 2 kilometers from here. Enjoy!