Lake Jūsan
十三湖
Water scenery — lakes, gorges and falls that reset the pace of a trip.
Best season
May–June (fresh green) and October–November (autumn colour)
Time needed
1–3 hours
Admission
Usually free; boat rides roughly ¥1,000–2,000 (≈ $6–13)
Opening hours
Open access; boats typically 9:00–16:00
What this place is
Lake Jūsan (Japanese: 十三湖, Hepburn: Jūsan-ko), also known locally as Jūsan Lagoon (Japanese: 十三潟, Hepburn: Jūsan-gata) is a brackish-water lagoon-type estuary located in the city of Goshogawara in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It is the third-largest lake in Aomori Prefecture, after Lake Towada and Lake Ogawara, with a shoreline of 30 kilometers (19 mi) and a maximum depth of 3 meters.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.
- Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.
- Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.
What you can do here
- Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.
- Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.
- Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.
- Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Paths near falls stay wet and slippery — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
- Water volume peaks after rain and during snowmelt; the falls are far more dramatic then.
- Boat services shrink or stop in winter, so check the seasonal timetable before travelling.
Traveler reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how it went.