They consist of Lakes Mikata (三方湖), Suigetsu (水月湖), Suga (菅湖), Kugushi (久々子湖) and Hiruga (日向湖).

These five lakes are all located in Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Park.

The Lake Suigetsu is famous for its varves, which were adopted as a global standard for dating geological and historical relics in 2012.

Lakes Mikata, Suigetsu and Suga, which are located in the southern part, are connected with each other via natural straits.

In addition, Urami Canal built in 1664 connects Lake Kugushi with Suigetsu, and Saga Tunnel built in 1934 connects Lake Hiruga with Suigetsu.