If you’re visiting the UNESCO-listed Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, make sure to carve out time for Lake Jūniko (十二湖).

Lake Jūniko was formed in 1704 when a major earthquake blocked the mountain streams. Jūniko means 12 lakes in Japanese. From the summit of Mt. Ozukure (1,458m), the Ōkuzure Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of 12 bodies of water, giving the area its name. However, the region is actually home to 33 lakes and ponds, among the most famous being the blue pond Aoike. Lake Jūniko is one of those places in Japan where you feel time slows down, and nature whispers a thousand secrets.

The mirror lake reflections – no matter the angle, the view was just marvellous.

Can you hear its secrets?

We were struck by how idyllic Lake Jūniko felt – the stillness, the serenity. It had a completely different energy compared to Oirase Gorge. At Oirase Gorge, you’re guided by the constant, melodic rush of the stream at every turn. But here, at Lake Jūniko, it’s the rustling of the leaves and the gentle chorus of birdsong that accompany your steps. Both leave you hanging for more. Indeed, we could just sit there, basking in its tranquility.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, is the Japanese practice of spending therapeutic time immersed in nature. A walk through the serene paths of Lake Jūniko is exactly that – a respite from the fast pace of urban life that so many of us crave for our mental well-being.

Getting There

From the JR Jūniko Station, you can either walk to Lake Jūniko, which takes around an hour, or grab a 15-min Kōnan bus (弘南バス) ride – Jūniko Line (十二湖線) – to the trail entrance. The bus operates between late April and November. Depending on how you want to explore the area, get off at either Ōike (王池前) or Oku Jūniko Parking (奥十二湖駐車場). There is a bus schedule that you can refer to here.

Hiking trails

Its hiking trails are popular with visitors. A 40-min route starting from the souvenir shop Mori-no-Bussankan Kyororo takes visitors to Aoike, Ketoba-no-Ike Pond, lush beech forests, Wakitsubo-no-Ike Pond (沸壺の池) and Ochikuchi-no-Ike Pond (落口の池).

Aoike (青池) is an emerald blue pond. If you’re lucky, the sun shining through the trees will make the waters of Aoike glisten even more vividly.

Ketoba-no-Ike Pond (鶏頭場の池) is one of the largest lakes in the area. Its shape of the lake is said to be in the shape of a chicken’s head – if you view it from a helicopter or a mountain lookout. Hence, the name Ketoba.

There are also longer trails you can consider. I’ve done a simple illustration of the two routes.

Photography tips

1. Chase the reflections
   The stillness of the lakes makes for perfect mirror-reflection shots. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to capture these.
2. Try low, shoot wide
   Consider using a wide-angle lens if you are using a DSLR or set your mobile phone to wide mode to capture the expansiveness of the forest and its canopy or the vastness of the lakes. Try kneeling or placing your camera close to the water’s edge for a more immersive, layered shot.
3. Focus on details
   Besides the big lake shots, zoom in on leaves floating on water, tree bark textures, or the play of light through the beech trees on the forest path. These small moments add richness to your story.
4. Capture candid connections
   Bring your photos to life by including people interacting with the environment —friends walking along the beech path, someone pausing in awe by Aoike, or hikers immersed in conversation. These human moments add warmth and relatability.
5. Respect the silence
   Let the mood guide your photography. The stillness and serenity of Jūniko come across best when you capture it without overediting—embrace the soft shadows and natural tones.

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