Juniko Lakes & Aoike Pond
十二湖・青池
A cluster of lakes and marshes on the western slope of the Shirakami Mountains. The Aoike, or Blue Pond, has an otherworldly ink-blue water color and is the most famous hidden gem along the Gono Line.
The Juniko Lakes are located in Fukaura on the western foot of the Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The name refers collectively to 33 lakes and marshes formed about 300 years ago by an earthquake-triggered landslide. The most famous, Aoike, has a deep cobalt-blue surface and exceptionally clear water. The reason for its color remains unexplained. A beech forest trail of about one hour links the surrounding ponds, including Keitoba-ike and Futtobo-ike. From Aomori or Hirosaki, take the JR Gono Line sightseeing train Resort Shirakami to Juniko Station, then transfer to a bus for about 15 minutes. The road is closed in winter, roughly December to March. It works well as a day trip.
Opening hours
All day (winter road closure)
Nearby sights
- Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen
- Gono Line Resort Shirakami & Senjojiki Coast
- Mount Iwaki
- Iwakiyama Shrine
- Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
- Hirosaki Apple Park
- Fujita Memorial Garden
- Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park