The Thirty-Three Lakes Embraced by a Beech Forest: “Juni-ko”

On the western edge of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Shirakami Mountains lies a mysterious landscape shaped by time and tremor. It is said that a powerful earthquake in 1704 triggered a massive landslide, creating a scattering of lakes across the forested terrain. From the summit of Kuzure-yama (Mount Kuzure), twelve of these lakes were visible—thus the area came to be known as “Juni-ko,” or Twelve Lakes.
Among them, one that captivates the soul is Aoike, the Blue Pond, with its vivid cobalt hue. Like ink dropped into still water, its deep, crystalline blue seeps quietly—but unmistakably—into the hearts of those who gaze upon it.
Another, Wakitsubo-no-Ike—literally “the Spring Vessel Pond”—is fed by natural spring water and reflects the passage of time in the forest with its own gentle shade of serene blue.
When you step into the primeval beech forest, you can truly feel the presence of the woods flowing around you—gently brushing your skin, tickling your ears, and quietly bringing your heart into balance.

This is a World Natural Heritage site that holds within it 8,000 years of timeless history.It is a place where you can slowly savor the depth and stillness it offers.