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Juniko Lakes (Iwasaki Village)
The lakes of Juniko were formed three centuries ago when a valley in
Tsugaru Quasi-National Park was stopped up by a volcanic eruption. Many
of these ponds and lakes are quite mysterious, like the inky blue Aoike.
Take in scenery from Japan’s distant past with broken beeches sticking
up forlornly from the waters of these lakes.
Access: 15 mins by car from Juniko Sta
Information: Iwasaki Industry and Tourism Division 0173-77-2111
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Oirase Gorge (Towadako Town)
A single, exquisite stream flows out of Lake Towadako, unfurling
a myriad of ever-changing facets along a course through moss-covered
boulders and serene birch forest. Sometimes fierce, sometimes
calm, always pure and beautiful, Oirase's waters are fed by a
number of equally unique and marvelous waterfalls.
Access: 2 hrs by car from Aomori Sta.
Information: Towadako Comprehensive Information Center 0176-75-2506
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Shirakami Sanchi and Anmon no Taki Falls (Nishimeya
Vil.)
One of the world's largest birch forests, the Shirakami Sanchi
is a treasure trove of flora and fauna straddling the Aomori-Akita
border. The area was inscribed as a UNSECO World Heritage property in Dec,
1993.
Enjoy any one or more of the nature observation, beech forest,
and Anmon no Taki Falls courses wending through this untouched natural paradise.
Access: 1 hr by car from Hirosaki Sta.
Information: Buna no Sato Shirakamikan 0172-85-3011
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Yagen Gorge (Ohata Town)
Yagen's beauty is oft compared to that of its more famous cousin,
Oirase. Compare for yourself with a leisurely, 4-km walk through
the cool birch, cypress, and maple forest lining both banks of
Yagen's sparkling stream. To truly appreciate the best this gorge
has to offer, come see the new green of spring or the blazing
foliage of fall. After your stroll, enjoy Yagen and Oku Yagen
Hot Springs; both are right here in the gorge.
Access: 20 mins by bus from Shimokita Kotsu Ohata Sta.
Information: Ohata Tourism Assoc. 0175-34-3500
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Tsuta Nananuma Ponds (Towadako Town)
The indigo waters of the seven ponds collectively known as Tsuta
Nananuma are settled down near Mt. Hakkoda's ocean of several
hundred-year-old virgin birches. The hot spring here, Tsuta, provides
a starting point for the one-hour nature research path maintained
here.
Access: 2 hrs by car from Aomori Sta.
Information: Towadako Division of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism
0176-72-2311
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Mt. Hakkoda (Aomori City)
Trails providing everything from casual strolls to serious hiking
are accessible from the Hakkoda Ropeway station at the peak of
Tamoyachidake. Around the base of the mountain are numerous hot
springs awaiting tired hikers.
Access: 45 mins by car from Aomori Sta.
Information: Hakkoda Ropeway 017-738-0343
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Ajigasawa Mini Shirakami (Ajigasawa Town)
This 52-ha plot is part of the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage
property. With two walking paths, one of 2.2 km and one of 1.1
km, this is a great place to take in the wondrous virgin forest
of the area's 300-year-old birches.
Access: 1 hr 30 mins by car from Owani-Hirosaki IC
Information: Mini Shirakami Comprehensive Information Facility
Kuromorikan 0173-79-2009
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