Juniko (Twelve Lakes)

Juniko ("Twelve Lakes") is a cluster of 33 lakes and ponds surrounded by beech forests at the foothills of the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage area. Although there are actually 33 bodies of water, the name comes from the fact that only 12 can be seen from the Okuzure Observatory on the eastern side of Juniko. The lakes were naturally formed in 1704 when a major earthquake dammed a river. Juniko’s top sightseeing highlight is Aoike ("Blue Pond"), famous for its shifting shades of blue depending on the time of day—cobalt blue around midday and a deeper magellanic blue in the afternoon. The mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding trees creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Wakitsubo no Ike, selected as one of the "Heisei 100 Famous Waters," is also known for exceptional clarity, comparable to Aoike. At the teahouse Juniko-an, you can even enjoy matcha prepared with water from Wakitsubo no Ike. The popular Juniko walking course, which starts and ends at the Forest Products Center Kyoro-ro, is a loop of about 1.5 km. In addition to Aoike and Wakitsubo no Ike, it includes stops such as Ketoba no Ike, named for its shape resembling a rooster’s comb, and Ochiguchi no Ike, recommended during the autumn foliage season from mid to late October.