The Mysterious Cobalt Blue Like Ink Poured Out, Viewed from the Observation Deck
About this spot
The symbol of Twelve Lakes, which spreads at the foot of Shirakami Mountains, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The pond holds a cobalt blue hue as if ink had been dissolved into it. Why it appears so blue remains scientifically unresolved, and its mysterious beauty continues to captivate visitors. With high transparency, you can even see clearly fallen beech branches submerged in the water. The color gradually changes with the angle of sunlight, and when the sun is higher in the sky, the blue shines even more vividly. According to tradition, Twelve Lakes was created by a massive earthquake-induced landslide in the Edo period and consists of 33 lakes and ponds. The name comes from the fact that 12 lakes can be seen from the Ookuzure observation point. From the parking lot of the Kyoro Forest Products Hall, a 10-minute walk along a beech forest trail leads to the observation deck where you can look down at the Aike.
Tips
About 10 minutes by car from Juniko Station on the JR Gono Line; the paid parking lot at the Kyoro Forest Products Hall is the closest. It's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the Aike along the forest promenade. The area gets crowded during peak tourist season in the daytime, so arriving early in the morning is recommended. For beautiful pond photos, a polarizing (PL) filter or smartphone exposure adjustment can be helpful.
Best time to visit
Approximately 40 minutes (including round-trip on the forest promenade). The pond's color is most vivid on clear days from late morning to noon when sunlight hits the water surface.
Access & map
〒038-2206 Aomori Prefecture, Nishi-Tsugaru District, Fukaura Town, Matsugami
Model course featuring this spot
Shirakami Twelve Lakes, Aike (Blue Pond) and Scenic Drive Along the Sea of Japan
Aomori
Explore features & model courses
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