From the peak of Mt. Kuzure, twelve lakes were once visible—giving rise to the name Juniko, meaning “Twelve Lakes.” Today, however, the area is known to include more than thirty lakes scattered across the foothills of the Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Japan’s most pristine beech forest regions. Among these lakes, Aoike … Continue reading Juniko Lakes (Twelve Lakes): A Scenic Gateway to Shirakami Sanchi