Lake Jūniko: A Mystical Lakeside Escape
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Jūniko: Hike through pristine forests and witness the enchanting blue waters of Aoike Pond.
Lake Jūniko, or the Twelve Lakes, is a collection of 33 lakes and ponds nestled in the Shirakami Mountains of Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Formed in 1704 by an earthquake-induced landslide, the area offers stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and the mystifyingly blue Aoike Pond.
A brief summary to Lake Jūniko
- Matsugami, Fukaura, Matsugami, Nishitsugaru District, Aomori, 038-2206, JP
- +81173-77-3311
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit Aoike Pond in the afternoon when the sun is directly overhead for the most vibrant blue color.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails around the lakes, as some paths can be uneven.
- Stop by the Juniko Visitor Center at Juniko Station for maps, brochures, and information about the area.
- Consider visiting during the spring or summer for the best weather and lush green scenery.
- Pack snacks and water, especially if you plan on hiking for several hours.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Juniko Station, take the Konan Bus bound for Oku-Juniko. Get off at the Oku-Juniko-Chushajo (奥十二湖駐車場) bus stop, which is about a 15-minute bus ride. From there, it's a short walk to the lakes. Konan Bus operates a limited number of buses per day, so check the schedule in advance. A one-way bus fare is approximately ¥380.
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Walking
From Juniko Station, it is possible to walk to the Juniko Lakes area. Head out of the station and turn right, walking along the road. After about 150 meters, take the road that leads up and away from the train line. The walk to the first lake takes approximately 30 minutes. Be aware that it is uphill, but the road is generally quiet. There are also coin lockers available at Juniko Station to store luggage.
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Driving
If driving, follow Route 101 along the Akita and Aomori coastline. From Juniko Station, it's about a 10-minute drive to the Juniko Lakes area. Paid parking is available at Mori-no-Bussankan Kyororo, a souvenir store and rest area. The parking fee is ¥500. From the parking area, Aoike Pond and Wakitsubo Pond are easily accessible on foot.
Discover more about Lake Jūniko
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wakitsubo no ike
0.1 km
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Jūniko-an
0.2 km
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Aoike
0.6 km
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Aoike, a striking blue pond in Aomori’s Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nihon Canyon
1.3 km
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Lake Towada
76.7 km
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Kojima Island
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Turret of Kubota Castle
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Kubota Castle Front Gate
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Atagoyama Beach
95.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shirakami Sanchi Visitor Center
27.0 km
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Tsuru no Maihashi Bridge
39.5 km
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Hirosaki Castle
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Tsugaru City Jomon Residence Exhibition Museum Calco
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Horikoshi Castle Ruins
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Tachineputa Museum
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Takayama Inari Shrine
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Nakamachi Komise Street
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Dazai Osamu Memorial Hall "Shayokan"
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Jomon Jiyukan
66.3 km
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San'nai-Maruyama iseki Special Historical Site
66.4 km
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Aomori Museum of Art
66.6 km
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Aomori City Forestry Museum
69.6 km
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Aomori Museum of History
69.8 km
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Korakukan
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Essential places to dine
SAPPORO Kan
68.0 km
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Aomori Gyosai Center (Aomori Nokkedon)
70.1 km
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Sukeroku Aomori Ekimaeaugatonari
70.2 km
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Aomori Kitchen Pope
70.2 km
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Osanai Shokudō
70.2 km
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Ocean's Diner
70.2 km
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Galetteria Da Sasino
70.3 km
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Sakanakkui no Den WARASSE Store
70.3 km
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Washoku Restaurant KAKIGEN
70.3 km
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Yamazato
70.4 km
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Ippachi Sushi
70.5 km
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Sasaro
70.5 km
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Restaurant La Sera
70.5 km
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Michinoku Cuisine Nishimura ASPAM Store
70.7 km
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リンチェ[LINCE osteria e bacaro]
70.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
2nd Street Aomori Yanakawa
69.6 km
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Dream Town ALi
69.9 km
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minloda
70.0 km
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Ito Yokado Aomori
70.0 km
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LOFT Aomori
70.0 km
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LOVINA
70.0 km
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WORK&STUDY KISUKE
70.0 km
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無印良品 青森ラビナ
70.0 km
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KISUKE
70.1 km
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circle AOMORI
70.2 km
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A-FACTORY
70.2 km
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アリゾナハイウェイ 本店
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PIESSA 青森店
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Sun and Sea
70.3 km
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Aomori Furusato Shop Aimori
70.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Log
70.1 km
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BAR YOMISE
70.2 km
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Bar Aomori Cocktail
70.3 km
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Aomori Brew Pub (ギャレスのアジト青森支店)
70.4 km
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rock bar ATORAN
70.8 km
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会員制BAR Cord
70.8 km
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Mashup
70.8 km
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Crazy Horse Salon
70.9 km
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About time
70.9 km
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BAR DARQ
71.0 km
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BAR MIMOSA
71.1 km
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Square
71.1 km
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バー鬼や
71.1 km
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BAR一
71.1 km
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Graffiti
71.1 km
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