Lake Juniko

4th of July weekend and we set out for a long weekend in Lake Juniko. Taking the idea from an article on Simon Bernard's page, we filled up the tank and set out in search of this place offering an abundance of scenery, trails, beaches, etc.

Trails, there were plenty. Some tough ones at that. We must have been hiking for an hour on this lesser followed path before we finally decided to give it up and head back. We had only covered 1.2km and came across a sign with the options of 1.1km or 8.3km. Not knowing what was even at the end of another 1.1 and with the clock pushing 1530, we decided it prudent to turn around and head back to an enjoyable stroll along the lakes.

The lakes were certainly the most beautiful lakes we'd ever seen. Take that for what it's worth...as they are mostly just small ponds...but they have a deep blue color and are crystal clear for the most part. The sensation of looking into the water and seeing both the reflection of the trees and the bottom of the pond is pretty memorizing.

The lakes were formed when a river was dammed by an earthquake in 1740. The name Juni (translates to 12 in English), is taken from the twelve lakes which can be seen from the top of Mt. Okuzure.

Faced with steady sprinkles and a quickly setting sun, we headed back to our tent. The campground was okay, but setup for the Japanese designer campers that prefer the whole cabin setup w/ tennis courts and what looked like an amphitheater in the middle. All in all, a nice campground, but not worth the ¥1,500 per night that we paid to setup our tent.

Overall, the trip was okay. If the weather was better we may have enjoyed ourselves more...but the constant mist of rain just gave everything an overall damp feel and that's no way to spend an extended amount of time in the woods.

GPS Coordinates
Lake Juniko Campground N 40° 33.417' E 139° 58.659'