A walking trail follows this gorge for slightly over fourteen kilometers of beautiful rushing rapids and pristine forests. In the late spring and early summer, the vivid green of the trees and moss-covered rocks and the white of the churning rapids create a rich tapestry of color that is a testament to the overwhelming vitality of nature. As you make the journey along the gorge (about five hours from one end to another), you’ll feel invigorated by the rich scent of the forest, the sound of the rushing waters, and the natural world teeming with life.

Juniko is the collective name for numerous small lakes and ponds set among the old-growth beech forests of the Shirakami Sanchi region, a UNESCO-designated natural World Heritage Site. The most famous among these bodies of water is probably the eerily blue Aoike Pond. Although the source of the pond’s vivid color remains unknown, it is thought to be entirely natural in origin. The best time to view Aoike Pond is from spring to summer, when the leaves of the beech trees growing thickly around it turn lush and green. Not only does this greenery form a vibrant contrast with the translucent blue of the mysterious pond, but it is also reflected on the pond’s surface, creating an even more otherworldly sight.

Although it is located about an hour outside central Mutsu City, this secluded gorge set deep within the wilderness of the Shimokita Peninsula is worth a visit for its pristine natural scenery. A well-maintained walking path follows the gorge for slightly over four kilometers, including three picturesque bridges over the Kawauchi River. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy the sight of lush greenery reflected in the water, along with rushing rapids and natural potholes that have formed in the riverbed over the course of eons.

At this shrine the outskirts of Tsugaru City, visitors can enjoy the otherworldly sight of rows upon rows of bright red torii gates like those at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto—but without the infamous crowds. Numbering in the hundreds, the gates wind like an undulating serpent through a carefully cultivated Japanese garden, with countless fox statues adding to the mystical atmosphere. In late spring and early summer, the juxtaposition of the reddish orange torii gates with the lush green of the surrounding forest is particularly spectacular, and it’s easy to see why photos of Takayama Inari Shrine make such a splash on social media.

This famous pond is set within a deep virgin beech forest high in the Hakkoda Mountains. In the season of fresh greenery, the rich green foliage of the trees surrounding the pond creates stunning reflections on its placid surface. Easily accessible walking trails around Tsuta Numa Pond and the other nearby lakes and ponds can be found starting from Tsuta Onsen.

Formed by volcanic activity, this lake straddling the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures is the largest crater lake on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Due to its incredible depth, its waters have an intense blue color. Come and visit in May or June to best enjoy the spectacular juxtaposition of Lake Towada’s blue waters with the lush greenery of beech and other trees in the forests along its shores. Reflecting the changing conditions of the sky and clouds, the lake’s scenery is characterized by constant transition that is all the more beautiful for its ephemerality.

From late spring to early summer, the natural world in Aomori Prefecture explodes with new life. The lushness of fresh greenery is like an oasis for the eyes and soul, and a visit to Aomori in this season is sure to renew your appreciation for the beauty and abundance of nature.