Our recommended route begins at Aomori Station, taking you to Aoike at its most beautiful time. In the evening, head to the foothills of Shirakami Sanchi to enjoy local delicacies.
A Popular Route Recommended by Locals
This route takes you from Aomori Station aboard the popular "Resort Shirakami" train, offering scenic views of the Sea of Japan from the windows.
After visiting the World Heritage-listed Shirakami Sanchi's Juniko and Aoike, you can head to Noshiro City to sample a variety of local Shirakami delicacies.
Strolling through the streets of Noshiro also offers a chance to experience Japanese culture up close.
Recommended Itinerary to Aoike
Depart from Aomori by sightseeing train.
Hop on the "Resort Shirakami No. 2" train to Juniko and enjoy the stunning views.
You'll be captivated by Mount Iwaki on the left and the Sea of Japan on the right as you approach Ajigasawa Station.
For the best experience, choose a seaside seat when buying your ticket at Aomori Station.
📍 Aomori Station Departure Time: 8:09
📍 Juniko Station Arrival Time: 11:23
📍 Ticket Price: 2,640 JPY (※As of April 2024)
After the sightseeing train...
From Juniko Station to Aoike (Blue Pond)
To reach Aoike (Blue Pond) from Juniko Station, take a bus at 11:35. If you have large luggage, we recommend storing it at 'Poppo Chaya' across from the station, which offers coin lockers and storage services.
【Fees】
● Large locker: 500 yen
● Small locker: 300 yen
● Luggage storage: 500 yen
(*Prices as of April 2024)
Board the bus from the rear door and take a numbered ticket. Keep it for when you get off.
Get off at "Oku-Juniko" for Aoike (Blue Pond) and have your ticket and 500 yen fare ready.
📍 Juniko Station Bus Departure Time: 11:35
📍 Arrival at Oku-Juniko Bus Stop: 11:50
📍 Ticket Price: 500 JPY
Walking and Lunch at Juniko
"Forest Product Center Kyororo", located at the Oku-Juniko Bus Stop, is one of the few dining options .
The return bus departs at 14:00, so visit Aoike Pond first and have lunch upon return. Alternatively, take the bus back to Juniko Station and dine at "Poppo Chaya".
Enjoy your two-hour journey around Juniko at a relaxed pace.
📍 Oku-Juniko Bus Stop Departure Time: 14:00
📍 Arrival at Juniko Station: 14:15
📍 Ticket Price: 500 JPY
(※ If you miss this bus, the next one is at 14:50)
Heading to Aoike Pond
This route takes you to Aoiike Pond, then through a beech forest to Wakitsubo no Ike, and finally to the teahouse "Juniko-an" for matcha.
Aoiike Pond is surrounded by lush trees and mountains, with sunlight reflecting beautifully on the pond around noon. The best time to visit is usually midday, though it may vary with the season.
The sunlight creates a mystical atmosphere on Aoiike Pond.
Another blue lake not to miss: Wakitsubo-no-ike Lake
Besides the famous Aoiike Pond, there’s another beautiful blue lake—Wakitsubo no Ike.
Larger than Aoiike, Wakitsubo no Ike also features a stunning blue hue. Surrounded by lush trees and the sound of flowing water, it offers a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
If you're lucky, you might even spot some fish swimming.
Take a break at "Juniko-an Teahouse"
Take a break at Juniko-an during your walk and enjoy the clear spring water of Wakitsubo no Ike, one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters.
You can also try matcha brewed with this water, served with traditional Japanese sweets. Donations of 300–500 yen are appreciated.
（※ Juniko-an is temporarily closed due to heavy rains in July 2023.）
After your walk, head to Forest Product Center Kyororo for lunch. Try the unique local dishes like acorn udon, Shirakami soba.
The return bus departs at 14:00, so enjoy the peaceful nature before heading back.
After leaving Aoiike Pond...
Take a train to Noshiro and savor the local flavors
Take the 14:15 bus from the "Forest Product Center Kyororo", arriving at "Juniko Station" at 14:30.
After arriving, you'll have about 30 minutes before the next train to Noshiro departs. Use this time to collect your luggage or shop for local souvenirs.
Once at Noshiro Station, enjoy a meal at a recommended restaurant and stay overnight.
📍 Juniko Station Departure Time: 15:12
📍 Noshiro Station Arrival Time: 16:11
📍 Ticket Price: 860 JPY
Check-in at a hotel near Noshiro Station
Noshiro City has many izakayas and restaurants where you can taste Shirakami Sanchi’s local flavors. It’s recommended to check in first and then enjoy a meal in the city.
"TOWN HOTEL MINAMI" is a 10-minute walk from Noshiro Station.
For large luggage, taxis are available right in front of the station.
Explore the Shirakami Sanchi before dinner
You will arrive at Noshiro Station at 16:11, and after checking in and settling into the hotel, it will be around 16:30.
Before dinner, you can choose to relax at the hotel or visit some attractions that are open in the evening.
📍 Basketball Museum：A museum that houses many books related to basketball and items from Slam Dunk.
📍 Tenyo sake shop：This shop has an impressive collection of Akita-produced sake, a must-visit for sake lovers.
Enjoy the local cuisine at the foothills of the Shirakami Sanchi
The Akita Shirakami region offers fresh seafood, wild vegetables, and local dishes like squid sashimi, hot pot with rice crackers, and sake brewed with pure Shirakami Sanchi water at izakayas.
📍 For izakayas: "Steak Teppan Kukan Enishi" "Shushoku Saien Iki," "Robata Tamura,"
📍 For sushi: "Honmura Sushi," "Miki Sushi."
Next morning's recommendation: Visit "Former Ryotei Kaneyu"
Early risers can visit "Kaneyu," a nationally designated cultural property in Noshiro, within walking distance.
Explore the Akita cedar building, rent a kimono, or enjoy lunch with a geisha performance. (*Reservations needed for kimono, geisha, or lunch experience.)
A visit to Kaneyu is the perfect way to wrap up your Aoike trip.