After the near-mythical Japanese swamp warbler was confirmed to be breeding in Akita Prefecture in 1973, the Ogata Steppe Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 1977. Renamed the Ogata Steppe Bird-Watching Facility to coincide with Ogatamura’s 50th anniversary in 2014, the meadows are now the breeding grounds for such rarities as the Japanese swamp warbler and Japanese reed bunting, and the waterside is used as a stop over by wild ducks on their migration. Around 80 different types of birds can be observed at various times throughout the year.
Address : 5-4 Aza-Nishi, Ogamura, Minamiakitagun
