Shirogane Blue Pond: Hokkaido's Impossibly Blue Water
How to visit the Shirogane Blue Pond near Biei in Hokkaido: why the water is blue, the best season and time of day, parking and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a man-made pond near Biei, famous for its vivid blue water and standing dead trees.
- Why it is blue: fine mineral particles in the water scatter blue light, and the colour shifts with the weather.
- Entry: free to visit, with a paid car park for drivers.
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Best time: calm, sunny mornings from May to October, or winter for snowy night light-ups.
On a still, sunny day, the Shirogane Blue Pond is a startling shade of blue, broken only by the silvery trunks of drowned larch trees. Photographs make it look edited, but the colour is completely natural.
Why the Blue Pond is a wonder
The pond was created by accident. After Mount Tokachi erupted in 1988, a dam was built to protect the area from volcanic mudflows, and water collected behind it in the forest.
Water from nearby springs carries minerals, including aluminium, which form tiny particles that scatter blue light. The shade changes with the weather and the seasons, from turquoise to deep cobalt.
Famous around the world
The Blue Pond became world famous after a photograph of it was chosen as a computer desktop wallpaper in 2012. Visitor numbers have grown ever since.
Nearby, the Shirahige Falls pour through rocks into the strikingly blue Biei River, and the Shirogane Onsen hot springs offer a warm end to the day.
Nearby sights
| Spot | What you see | Distance (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Pond walkway | The classic view of the pond and its trees | Next to the car park |
| Shirahige Falls | A waterfall flowing into the blue Biei River | About 3 km |
| Shirogane Onsen | A small hot spring village | About 3 km |
| Shikisai no Oka | Rolling hills of colourful flowers in summer | About 20 km |
| Biei patchwork road | Farmland hills and famous lone trees | About 15 km |
When to go
- Summer: the most vivid blue on calm, sunny days, with green forest around.
- Autumn: golden larches around the water from early to mid October.
- Winter: the pond freezes and is lit up at night, usually from November to April.
- Early morning: calm water, better reflections and fewer tour buses.
Our tip: Go after a few days of dry weather. Heavy rain can muddy the water and dull the colour, while windless mornings give mirror-like reflections.
Getting there
- From Biei Station: Dohoku buses run to the Blue Pond in about 20 to 30 minutes.
- From Asahikawa: Biei is about 35 minutes by JR train, then take the bus.
- By car: there is a paid car park. Fees rose in recent years, to around 1,000 yen for a car.
Protecting the pond
- Stay on the walkways and behind the fences.
- Do not throw anything into the water or walk on the ice in winter.
- Drones are not allowed without permission.
- Watch for traffic on the narrow road between the car park and the pond.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Blue Pond blue?
Minerals in the water, including aluminium, form tiny particles that scatter blue light.
Is the Shirogane Blue Pond free?
Yes. Viewing the pond is free. Drivers pay a parking fee, which is around 1,000 yen for a car.
Can you see the Blue Pond in winter?
Yes. The pond freezes and is often covered in snow, and it is lit up in the evenings in the colder months.
How do you get to the Blue Pond without a car?
Take a Dohoku bus from Biei Station, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Meiji Jingu
A hushed forest shrine just steps from the crowds of Harajuku.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.