Biei Blue Pond
Accidental Beauty in Electric Blue
The Blue Pond is a remarkably recent phenomenon, created inadvertently in 1988 during erosion control work following the eruption of nearby Mt. Tokachi. Engineers constructed a dam on the Biei River to protect downstream areas from volcanic mudflows. The dam created an artificial pond, flooding a forest of Japanese larch trees. The submerged trees died but remained standing, their bleached trunks creating an eerie, artistic landscape.
The pond's distinctive electric blue color results from natural aluminum hydroxide particles suspended in the water. These minerals originate from hot springs in Mt. Tokachi and flow into the Biei River. When river water collides with the minerals, the particles suspend in the pond, scattering blue wavelengths of light - the same Rayleigh scattering effect that makes the sky blue. The color intensity varies with season, weather, viewing angle, and time of day, ranging from pale turquoise to deep cobalt.
Unknown to most tourists until the mid-2000s, the Blue Pond achieved global fame when Apple selected a photograph by Kent Shiraishi as a default wallpaper for macOS Sierra in 2016. Overnight, visitor numbers exploded from a few thousand annually to over 1 million. The sudden tourism boom prompted infrastructure improvements including parking expansion, walkways, and winter illumination events. Today, it ranks among Hokkaido's most photographed locations, though the fragile ecosystem faces pressure from overtourism.
Key Highlights
- Surreal electric blue water from suspended aluminum hydroxide
- Dead larch trees standing ghost-like in the water
- Featured as Apple macOS default wallpaper (2016)
- Color changes with seasons, weather, and time of day
- Winter illumination events create magical nightscapes
- Accidental creation from 1988 volcanic erosion control
Access Information
Location
Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Biei Station (JR Furano Line) - 20 min by taxi or bus
- • Blue Pond bus stop (seasonal service only)
Opening Hours
24-hour access (recommend daylight hours for safety and photography); Winter illumination: mid-November to April, sunset-9:00 PM
Admission Fee
Free admission and parking (large lot accommodates 100+ cars)
How to Get There
From Biei Station
Taxi from Biei Station to Blue Pond (20 minutes, approximately ¥3,500 one-way). Or seasonal Dohoku Bus 'Biei Sightseeing Bus' (June-October, 3-4 buses daily, ¥500). Car rental most flexible option. Note: Very limited public transport - plan carefully.
20 minutes
From Asahikawa
Take JR Furano Line to Biei Station (35 minutes, ¥670), then taxi to Blue Pond (20 minutes, ¥3,500). Or drive directly from Asahikawa (50 minutes via Route 237 and Shirogane Road). Car rental in Asahikawa recommended for visiting multiple Biei/Furano attractions.
1 hour
From Sapporo
Take JR Limited Express to Asahikawa (80 minutes), transfer to Furano Line to Biei (35 minutes), then taxi (20 minutes). Or drive directly (2 hours via Expressway). Day tours from Sapporo available (¥8,000-15,000) combining Blue Pond with other Biei attractions.
2.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Photography Times
The pond's color is most vivid on bright, overcast days when diffused light enhances the blue without harsh reflections. Direct sunlight can wash out the color. Early morning (6-8 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer soft light with fewer crowds. Autumn (September-October) provides golden foliage contrast. Winter snow frames the blue dramatically. The color appears most intense in May-October. Bring polarizing filter to reduce surface glare and enhance color saturation.
Seasonal Color Variations
The blue intensity varies remarkably by season. Spring snowmelt (May-June) brings highest mineral concentration and deepest blue. Summer offers consistent vivid color. Autumn adds foliage reflections in golden tones. Winter creates stunning contrast with snow and ice, though blue can appear more muted. Rainy periods wash out color temporarily. Very cold weather can partially freeze the pond, creating unique ice patterns around the dead trees.
Winter Illumination Event
Mid-November through April, evening illumination transforms the pond into a magical nightscape (sunset-9 PM daily). Blue, purple, and white lights enhance the otherworldly atmosphere. The frozen pond edges and snow-covered trees under colored lights create spectacular photo opportunities. Dress very warmly - temperatures often -15°C or colder. Limited facilities and no food available. Best visited early in illumination period (November-January) for manageable crowds.
Viewing Walkways & Angles
A wooden observation deck runs along the pond's western shore, providing elevated views over the water. The deck extends about 100 meters - walk its entire length for varying perspectives of the dead larch trees. The main viewing area at the parking lot entrance gets extremely crowded. Walk to the far end of the deck for better compositions and fewer people. Tripods allowed but challenging during crowded periods. The entire viewing area can be covered in 15-20 minutes.
Combining with Shirogane Falls
The beautiful Shirogane Blue River waterfall (also called Shirahige Falls) is located 2.5 kilometers from Blue Pond along the same road (5 minutes by car). The waterfall cascades into a gorge with the same blue water as the pond. Free viewing from roadside bridge. Visiting both sites makes an excellent 1-hour combined excursion. The waterfall is less crowded than the pond. No walking trail connects them - must drive or taxi.
Parking & Crowd Management
Free parking lot holds 100+ vehicles but fills completely during peak times: summer weekends, autumn foliage (mid-September to early October), and winter illumination openings. Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid worst crowds. Weekdays significantly quieter. Traffic jams common on Route 966 (Shirogane Road) during peak autumn. No designated bus drop-off area creates congestion. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best experience.
Facilities & Nearby Services
The pond area has limited facilities: basic restrooms and a small souvenir/drink shop (hours vary seasonally). No restaurants at the site. Biei town center (20 minutes away) offers restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. Bring water and snacks. Nearest accommodation: Shirogane Onsen hot spring hotels (3 km away) or Biei town hotels. Combine Blue Pond visit with Biei's patchwork hills and farm visits for a full day itinerary.
Essential Visitor Information
The pond is small - most visitors spend 15-30 minutes (longer if photographing extensively). Water level fluctuates with season and dam management. Swimming and entering the water strictly prohibited to protect water quality and delicate ecosystem. Drones banned. The dead trees are slowly decaying and being replaced by the park authority. Stay on designated walkways. No littering - helps maintain the pristine blue color. Check weather forecast - cloudy but bright days provide best color viewing.
FAQ
Why is the Blue Pond so blue?
The stunning blue color comes from natural aluminum hydroxide colloids in the water, created when the Biei River mixes with aluminum-rich water from nearby Mount Tokachi's hot springs. These particles scatter blue light, creating the ethereal turquoise hue that changes with weather and seasons.
What is the best time to visit Blue Pond?
Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the calmest water and best reflections with fewer crowds. The color is most vibrant on sunny days. Summer and early autumn provide the brightest blues. Winter offers a unique frozen landscape with illuminations. Avoid midday when tour buses arrive.
How long should I spend at Blue Pond?
Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes walking the viewing path and taking photos. The accessible area is relatively small with one main viewing deck and a short walking path. Photographers may want 1-2 hours to capture different angles and wait for optimal lighting conditions.
Can you swim in Blue Pond?
No, swimming is strictly prohibited. The pond is a protected natural area, and the water contains high concentrations of aluminum compounds that could be harmful. Additionally, swimming would disturb the delicate ecosystem and ruin the experience for other visitors seeking pristine views.
How do I get to Blue Pond from Biei?
Blue Pond is about 17 kilometers from Biei Station, roughly 20 minutes by car on Route 966. Rental cars or taxis are most convenient. Limited seasonal buses run from Biei Station (May-October), but schedules are infrequent. Cycling is popular but requires good fitness for the uphill ride.
Is there an entrance fee for Blue Pond?
No, Blue Pond is free to visit year-round. The site features a large free parking lot, restrooms, and walking paths at no charge. This makes it an excellent value destination, though nearby restaurants and shops do charge for food and souvenirs.
What are the dead trees in Blue Pond?
These are Japanese larch trees that were submerged when the pond formed. The pond was created in 1988 as part of an erosion control project after Mount Tokachi erupted. The ghostly white trunks standing in the blue water create the iconic, otherworldly landscape that made the pond famous.
Can I visit Blue Pond in winter?
Yes, winter offers a magical experience. The pond freezes and is surrounded by snow-covered forests. Evening illuminations run from November to February, transforming the scene with colored lights. Roads can be icy, so winter tires or chains are essential. The frozen landscape is completely different but equally beautiful.
How crowded does Blue Pond get?
Very crowded during peak summer months (July-August) and autumn foliage season (late September-October), especially 10 AM-3 PM when tour buses arrive. Early mornings, late afternoons, and weekdays are significantly quieter. Winter weekdays offer the most peaceful experience with minimal crowds.
Are there facilities at Blue Pond?
Yes, there's a large parking lot with modern restrooms and a small information booth. A souvenir shop and cafe operate during peak seasons. The viewing path is paved and partially wheelchair accessible, though some areas have steps. No restaurants are on-site, so bring food or eat in Biei.
What other attractions are near Blue Pond?
Shirogane Blue River is 2 kilometers away, offering another beautiful blue waterway. Shirahige Falls nearby cascades into the river creating a unique sight. The Biei area is famous for its patchwork hills, flower fields, and scenic farms. Many visitors combine multiple spots in a day tour.
What camera settings work best at Blue Pond?
Use a polarizing filter to enhance the blue color and reduce water reflections. Lower ISO (100-200) keeps colors accurate. For still water, use a tripod and slower shutter speeds. Morning side-lighting creates the best depth. RAW format allows better color adjustment in post-processing.
Does the color of Blue Pond change?
Yes, dramatically. Sunny days produce the most vibrant turquoise-blue. Overcast days result in more muted, grayish tones. Seasonal changes affect the color: brightest in summer, slightly greenish in spring, and frozen white in winter. Water levels and volcanic activity also influence the hue's intensity.
Why did Blue Pond become so famous?
Apple featured Blue Pond as a default wallpaper in macOS and iOS starting in 2012, introducing millions worldwide to its beauty. Photographer Hidenobu Suzuki's images went viral on social media. The combination of striking color, ethereal dead trees, and accessibility created perfect conditions for tourism fame.
Can I fly a drone at Blue Pond?
Drone use is generally discouraged or restricted due to the crowds and protected natural environment. Check current local regulations before visiting. Commercial photography requires permits. Respect other visitors' experience and privacy. Morning hours when fewer people are present might allow more flexibility for drone photography.
What should I wear when visiting Blue Pond?
Comfortable walking shoes for the gravel and paved paths. Layers are essential as mountain weather changes quickly. Sunscreen and hat in summer due to limited shade. In winter, full cold-weather gear including waterproof boots for snow. Bring a light jacket even in summer for cooler temperatures.
Are there guided tours to Blue Pond?
Yes, many tour operators offer day trips from Sapporo, Asahikawa, or Furano that include Blue Pond along with other Biei area attractions. These typically include transportation and lunch. Private taxi tours offer more flexibility. English-speaking guides are available through major tour companies for international visitors.
What are the winter illuminations at Blue Pond?
From November through February, evening illuminations light up the frozen pond and surrounding trees with colored LED lights. The display typically runs from sunset until 9 PM. The illuminated dead trees reflected on ice create an otherworldly atmosphere completely different from the daytime experience.
Is Blue Pond worth visiting if I'm in Hokkaido?
Absolutely, especially if you're in the Furano-Biei area. The unique color and landscape are unlike anything else in Japan. Combined with other Biei attractions, it makes an excellent day trip. However, if you have very limited time in Hokkaido, prioritize based on your interests and itinerary.
Can I visit Blue Pond and Furano in one day?
Yes, they're only about 30 kilometers apart. A typical itinerary includes Blue Pond in early morning, Biei's patchwork hills mid-morning, and Furano's flower fields or Farm Tomita in the afternoon. With a car, this makes a perfect day trip exploring Hokkaido's scenic countryside.
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