The Twelve Lakes is the collective name for a group of 33 lakes and marshes located in the Shirakami Mountains, which are also included in the Tsugaru National Park.
The Shirakami Sanchi is a region of mountains over 1,000 meters high, and is home to a variety of lakes and marshes, large and small.
The area is home to a pristine natural beech forest that has been largely untouched by humans, and is home to more than 540 species of plants and many species of wildlife.
The lakes that make up the Twelve Lakes are estimated to have been formed by the 1704 Noshiro Earthquake.
There are 33 lakes and marshes in the area, but the name “Twelve Lakes” was given to the area because the number of lakes and marshes appears to be 12 when viewed from Ohgatake (694 m above sea level).
The area around the Twelve Lakes is densely forested with beech trees, and the water gushes out at various locations in what looks like a natural water trough or dam, and is of such high quality that it has its own natural purification system.
In 1922, Keigetsu Omachi visited the Twelve Lakes and wrote, “The view of the sunset mountains, the darkness of the lakeside clusters, and the afterglow of the autumn leaves make the Twelve Lakes an extraordinary sight. The lake became well known after Omachi Keigetsu praised it, saying, “The view of Mount Nipporini, the darkness of the lakeside group, and the lingering autumn leaves will surely be known throughout the world one day.
The spring water from the Boiling Pot Pond has been selected as one of the best waters in Aomori Prefecture, and its beautiful blue waters can be seen in all 33 lakes and marshes.
All of the 33 lakes and ponds have their own characteristics, and four recommended therapy paths have been set up in the “Twelve Lakes Forest,” so you can walk your favorite course according to your time and physical strength.
Blue Pond and Boiling Pool Pond Course: 2.5 hours
Kanayama Pond Short Course: 2.5 hours
Kanayama Pond and Itohata no Pond Long Course: 4 hours
Wang Pond course: 2.5 hours
The biggest attraction of the Twelve Lakes is Aoike Pond, which glows a brilliant cobalt blue. With a surface area of 975 square meters and a depth of 9 meters, this pond is so clear that fallen trees and large rotting beech trees can be seen at the bottom of the pond.
The clear blue surface of the lake is as mysterious as if ink had been poured over it. The surface of the lake reflects the surrounding trees like a mirror, changing its hue depending on the time of day and angle, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Even in the Aomori winter, the water temperature stays at 9°C throughout the year and the pond never freezes, so it maintains its beautiful clarity, and the shimmering blue of the blue pond is famous as a power spot in Aomori.
Lake Juni is a natural wonder that attracts visitors with its beautiful scenery.
15 minutes by bus from Juniko Station