6 Lakes in Aomori worth your time

A historic reservoir in Aomori featuring Japan's longest embankment and a stunning 300-meter wooden triple-arched bridge.

What it is

• The largest man-made reservoir in Aomori Prefecture, officially named Mawarizeki Otameike.
• Commissioned by Tsugaru Nobumasa in 1660 to provide irrigation for the region.
• A designated wildlife protection zone that serves as a habitat for local birds.
• A top-rated reservoir featuring a 4.2 kilometer embankment, the longest in Japan.

What to see

• Tsuru no Maihashi, a 300-meter triple-arched bridge made from Aomori Hiba cypress.
• A park on the lakeshore where red-crowned cranes are raised and protected.
• Views of the expansive water surface from the record-breaking 4.2 kilometer embankment.

When to go

• May 5th to watch or participate in the annual marathon event around the lake.

Getting there

• Take a taxi from Mutsu-Tsuruta Station to reach the lakeshore.

Read more about Tsugaru Fujimi Lake

Japan's eleventh largest lake is a protected wetland in Aomori famous for its abundant fisheries and wintering migratory swans.

What it is

• A brackish lake located in Tohoku Town within Aomori Prefecture.
• The largest lake by surface area in Aomori and eleventh largest in Japan.
• A designated Japan Important Wetland recognized by the Ministry of the Environment.
• A major fishery hub ranking first in Japan for smelt and icefish catches.

What to see

• Migrating whooper and whistling swans that use the lake as a wintering site.
• The Takase River which serves as the primary outflowing river for the lake.
• Local shijimi clams protected under the national Geographical Indication system.
• The southern shore area which is partially occupied by Misawa Air Base.

When to go

• Winter months to observe the arrival of migratory swan populations.
• Winter season when the lake surface freezes over for ice fishing.

Read more about Lake Ogawara

A historic Edo-period reservoir and park in Aomori famous for its floating bridge and thousands of seasonal cherry blossoms.

What it is

• A historic irrigation reservoir built by Lord Tsugaru Nobumasa between 1688 and 1704.
• Part of the Ashino Lake Group Prefectural Natural Park in Goshogawara City.
• Selected as one of the top one hundred reservoirs in Japan in 2010.
• A vital water source for irrigation and a wintering ground for migratory birds.

What to see

• Ashino Park located directly on the lakeshore featuring approximately 2,300 cherry trees.
• A floating bridge named Ashino Yume no Ukihashi that crosses the reservoir water.
• Scenic views of the surrounding natural park and local migratory bird populations.

Getting there

• Accessible via train at Ashino-Koen Station on the Tsugaru Railway line.
• Drivers can reach the reservoir and park area using National Route 339.

Read more about Fujieda Reservoir

A shallow brackish lake on the Tsugaru Peninsula famous for its migratory swans, historic ruins, and local clam production.

What it is

• A shallow brackish lake located within the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park.
• A major production center for Yamato clams fed by the Iwaki River.
• A designated migration site for protected whooper and whistling swans.
• Home to the Tosamuminato ruins, a designated national historic site.

What to see

• Nakanoshima Bridge Park, an island accessible via a pedestrian footbridge.
• The Shiura History and Folklore Museum featuring local archaeological artifacts.
• Fukushima Castle ruins containing the remains of a medieval samurai residence.
• Migratory swans which are designated as a prefectural natural monument.

Getting there

• Buses run from Goshogawara Station to the Nakanoshima Park entrance.

Read more about Lake Jūsan

A volcanic caldera lake within a sacred mountain site, known for its acidic waters and unique species of dace fish.

What it is

• A caldera lake formed by the eruption of Mount Tsurugi on the Shimokita Peninsula.
• Part of the Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park and the Mount Osore sacred site.
• The official name registered by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan is Lake Usoriyama.
• A highly acidic body of water with a pH level of approximately 3.5.

What to see

• Hydrogen sulfide gas erupting from the bottom of the lake bed.
• Hot springs and volcanic gases located on the northeastern shore.
• The Shozu River, which serves as the only river flowing out of the lake.
• A unique species of dace fish adapted to live in acidic water.

Read more about Lake Usori

A historic irrigation pond in Goshogawara recognized by the government for its scenic walking paths and seasonal Japanese irises.

What it is

• A historic irrigation pond built by Tsugaru Nobumasa to provide water for local rice fields.
• The Ministry of Agriculture selected it as a top pond in 2010.
• The site is located in the eastern part of Goshogawara City.

What to see

• Walking paths and terraces built along the shoreline for visitors.
• Natural growth of reeds and Japanese irises around the water.
• Scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding agricultural landscape.

Getting there

• Five minutes from the Goshogawara Interchange by car.
• Accessible by taxi from Goshogawara Station.

Read more about Sakainosawa Tameike