Among the twelve lakes in the vast beech forests of the Shirakami-Sanchi, a registered World Heritage Site, the most popular spot is Aoike (Blue Pond), which features beautiful clear blue water. 

The lake can be observed from the boardwalk on the wooden deck. When the sun shines through the water, it is transparent enough that you can see fish swimming below. The pond's strinkingly blue water is so mesmerizing, it's as if the water has been artificially colored with blue ink. The best time to visit is around 11:00 a.m. The pond is a light blue color in the morning and transforms to a darker blue in the afternoon.

Many hikers visit the area during the spring season of fresh greenery, and autumn leaves in fall.