Cobalt blue. Juniko JR Station 十二湖駅, is a train station on Gono line 五能線 and as the name implies, this is the gateway to Juniko which is made up of thirty three lakes and ponds tucked away in a forest of beech trees. The name Aoi ike 青い池 may ring a bell especially for those who have visited Hokkaido before. Otherwise known as Shirogane Aoi ike 白金青池, the mysteriously and stunning turquoise blue colour of the lake is truly a sight to behold. In Juniko, there is a smaller lake with the same name "Aoike 青池" and in my opinion, this lake does not pale in comparison to the former. The entire lake is coloured beautifully in cobalt blue and its clarity is close to being transparent. I have to say this was one of my favourite spots unveiled during my exploration of Aomori Prefecture.
Limited express / sightseeing trains serving this train station include:
(1) Resort Shirakami リゾートしらかみ, a limited express sightseeing train which commutes between Aomori 青森駅 and Akita 秋田駅 via Ou main line 奥羽本線 and Gono line 五能線. A total of three round trips is made per day (on most days) by a fleet of train comprised of three different themes - Buna 橅, Aoike 青池 and Kumagera くまげら.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/railway/joyful/shirakami.html
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| Spotted a departing Resort Shirakami Kumagera リゾートしらかみ くまげら at the train station. |
(1) Bus stops, for buses heading to Juniko 十二湖 and Furofushi Onsen 不老ふ死温泉.
- Bus stop opposite to train station for Konan Bus Juniko Line 弘南バス十二湖線 heading towards Ou Juniko 奧十二湖.
- Bus stop on the same side as the train station for Konan Bus Juniko Line 弘南バス十二湖線 heading towards Furofushi Onsen 不老ふ死温泉.
* Do note that this bus service is only operational between mid Apr to end Nov.
http://www.konanbus.com/travel/junilake.html
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| Bus stop opposite to train station for Konan Bus Juniko line heading for Juniko. |
.Operating hours: 0900 - 1700 hrs
https://www.umai-aomori.jp/shop/sanchoku/sanchoku03/jyunikosanshoku.html
Must try! Even though Juniko JR Station is an unmanned train station, there is a small farmers' market here which sells a wide variety of agricultural produce, seafood and processed food, all harvested from nearby areas. Apart from being a great place to hang out in during train waiting interval, there is one exclusive sweet which is only available at this farmers' market. Named Aoike Soft 青池ソフト, this is a dreamy sky blue coloured soft serve which was inspired by Aoike. It was difficult to make out what the flavour was from its appearance (was guessing it could be soda or bubblegum flavour). Bought one to try and found out it was yogurt, which I have not come across before in Japan. The taste of the soft serve was very refreshing and delectable, and I liked it a lot. This is a dessert not to be missed at Juniko JR Station!
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| Farmers' market in the train station. |
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| Enjoyed a Aoike Soft Cream, sold exclusively at the Farmers' market. |
Commemorative stamp:
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