Creation of Juniko

It is believed that the lakes were created because the river was stopped by earth and sand. This happened after a big landslide of 940m high Mount Kuzure that was caused by the big earthquake in 1704. Other than river water, underground water is also gushing into the lakes. These lakes are surrounded by the beech forest. The water in the lakes is very clear and transparent.

Out of the 33 lakes, Aoike is the most famous one because of its beautiful color. ‘Ao’ means blue and ‘ike’ means pond, so it means Blue Pond, which is an apt name as it looks like blue ink was dropped into the water. There are fallen beech trees under the water, and depending on the angle of the sunshine you can enjoy the changing of the color.

Wakitsubonoike also has a beautiful blue color and was selected as one of the best quality water in Aomori Prefecture. One part is named Nihon Canyon (Japanese Grand Canyon) because of the white surface of the mountain.

Hiking around Juniko

The altitude of the area is between 150 to 250 meters, and the area is about 4 km2 large. You can enjoy hiking all year round and it shows different scenery in each season. Vivid green leaves of the beech trees in spring and summer, yellow and red leaves in autumn, and white in winter. In winter it snows here, but you can visit the area wearing snowshoes.

You can get a hiking map at the tourist information office in front of the JR Juniko Station. Depending on how you want to walk, there are short 2-hour courses to 3-day courses that you can walk with a nature guide.

You may encounter some wild animals such as Japanese serows, squirrels, monkeys (Japanese macaque), badgers, rabbits, and some birds such as narcissus flycatchers, common kingfishers, and great spotted woodpeckers. If you stop at the Juniko Visitor Center, you can learn more about the geography, fauna, and flora of the area.

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Access Information

Access: 15 minutes ride on the bus from Juniko Station (JR Line) to Oku-Juniko-Chushajo (奥十二湖駐車場) bus stop

Juniko Area Map

Castle History

Hirosaki developed as a castle town from the late 16th century. Oura Tamenobu came here as a feudal lord by the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was the military leader at that time. Toyotomi was the one who built Oura Castle. He changed the family name from Oura to Tsugaru, so since then, his territory was called the Tsugaru domain. He moved to another castle, Takaoka (Horikoshi now), but it wasn’t a good location as a military base. So he built a new castle in Hirosaki after Tokugawa became shogun in 1603. The construction of the castle was finished in 1611 at the time of the 2nd lord, Tsugaru Nobuhira.

In 1627, there was an accidental explosion of gun powder in the castle, and the main keep was destroyed. Since then, there was no main keep for nearly 200 years. In 1810, they finally reconstructed the main keep with permission from the shogunate, which has remained until today. It has 3 layers and 3 stories.

The Tsugaru family always played a major role in politics and economics in the region until the shogunate was abolished in 1867. By the Castle Demolishing law, Honmaru (the main palace) and many other buildings were demolished but fortunately, the main keep survived and was designated as a National Treasure in 1937.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Once you have exited Hirosaki Station and have left the busy area crowded with shops and hotels, you will come upon tranquil streets with a little stream called the Tsuchibuchi-gawa, where you will suddenly feel like you were transported to the past glory of the castle town. The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower are now open to the public as Hirosaki Park. The park is surrounded by three moats, which were made for defense. There used to be guards at every crossing bridge, so it was not easy to approach to the main keep.

If you take the bus from Hirosaki Station, you should get off at the Shiyakusho-mae (city office) bus stop. You will enter from the Otemon Gate which used to serve as the main gate. When you cross the third bridge, you will finally find the main keep on the stone wall facing the moat. Since 2015 the main keep has not been standing at the corner because they moved the whole main keep building by raising and pulling it in order to restore it. The restoration work will last until 2023.

Best View

The view is best if you look at the main keep from the moat, as it looks very simple if you view it from the other direction. It is said that this is how the castle passed the examination by the inspector from the shogunate, who was there to make sure the castle was not too elaborate. When they finished the construction the inspector came, but they didn’t show him the main keep from the moat, but only from the other direction. He fell for it because he traveled by closed palanquin.

The garden is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Because it is located in the north, its main season is normally from late April until early May. It is said that one of the former feudal retainers planted 1,000 cherry trees in the park. This was the beginning of the area’s fame as one of the best cherry blossom viewing places in Japan. On a sunny day, you can take a nice picture of the castle with cherry blossoms and a beautiful snow-covered Mount Iwaki as a background.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: 15 minutes bus ride from Hirosaki Station (JR Line) to Shiyakusho-mae (市役所前) bus stop
Entrance fee: Adult 320 yen, Child 100 yen (from April 1 to November 23, free other than this period but main keep is closed)
Hours: From June to August 9:00 – 1700 (7:00 – 21:00, during the cherry blossom festival)

Hirosaki Castle Area Map