Juniko Twelve Lakes 十二湖

Juniko Twelve Lakes (Juniko means 12 lakes in Japanese) is the name of a group of 33 ponds and lakes. The area is so beautiful it has become part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

A 10-minute drive from Juniko Station.

To get to the town of Fukauramachi, it is a roughly two-and-a-half hour drive from Aomori Station.

By train, it is a little over 3 hours to Juniko Station from Aomori Station by express train, or more than 6 hours by regular train. From Juniko Station, it is a little over 10 minutes by car to the Juniko Twelve Lakes area.

Most of Shirakami Sanchi , including the Juniko Twelve Lakes, is less than an hour's drive from Hirosaki City . Konan Bus also operates tour buses to Shirakami Sanchi . In the Shirakami area, you will have to hike to get to some of the sites, so wear good hiking boots.

The water in Aoike (Blue Pond) is so blue that you can easily see the fallen branches at the bottom of the pond, which is nearly 10 meters deep.

It is said that the water appears blue because it is so clean, but the truth is beyond explanation.

Earthquakes are very rare in the northern part of Akita, but in 1704, a huge earthquake occurred that geographically affected nearby Aomori Prefecture. The land crumbled, and some of the clean water underground formed into lakes and ponds in this area.

The Juniko Twelve Lakes are still fed by the underground water, which maintains the water level and purity. The water is believed to be filtered by the dense beech tree forest.

It would be very difficult to see all of the 33 lakes, but you should have a good look around this area. There are many wild birds and animals living in the old growth beech forest. The deep and rich colors, mostly green and blue, along with the rich soil, have a relaxing and calming effect.