Aone Shirakami Twelve Lakes

Awone Shirakami Twelve Lakes is a premier resort destination nestled within the pristine wilderness of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. This remarkable location serves as the gateway to the Juniko (Twelve Lakes) area, where visitors can experience Japan's largest untouched beech forest alongside a collection of mystical crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity.

The area's historical significance stems from its designation as part of the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage site in 1993, recognized for containing the world's largest virgin beech forest ecosystem. Despite its name suggesting twelve lakes, the region actually encompasses 33 distinct lakes and ponds scattered across a 4-square-kilometer plateau at elevations ranging from 150 to 250 meters. The most celebrated of these is Aoike (Blue Pond), famous for its stunning cobalt-blue waters that reach depths of 9 meters.

The Awone Shirakami resort offers visitors an immersive nature experience with accommodations ranging from single rooms to group facilities and barrier-free options. The resort serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, providing direct access to hiking trails that wind through ancient beech forests to waterfalls, mountain peaks, and the mysterious lake system. Visitors can participate in guided trekking tours led by local volunteers who share insights about the region's wildlife, geology, and cultural heritage.

Key experiences include hiking to the famous Aoike pond with its ethereal blue waters, exploring the network of forest trails that connect the various lakes, and observing the diverse ecosystem that supports rare wildlife within the protected beech forest. The resort's location within Tsugaru Quasi-National Park provides unparalleled access to this pristine natural environment, making it particularly popular among nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the area's unique beauty.

Transportation to Awone Shirakami requires taking the Resort Shirakami scenic train to Juniko Station, followed by a 10-minute bus ride or the resort's complimentary shuttle service that operates in coordination with train arrivals. From major cities, the journey involves traveling to Hirosaki City first, as most of the Shirakami-Sanchi area is less than an hour's drive from this regional hub.

Konan Bus operates regular tour services to the region, while private vehicles can utilize the resort's 150-space free parking lot. Bus services to the lakes operate from early April through late November at 500 yen one way, running every 1-2 hours, with winter access not available due to weather conditions. The resort provides a free pick-up service from Juniko Station, with buses scheduled to meet arriving and departing trains.