Shirogane Blue Pond, located in the small town of Biei in central Hokkaido, is renowned for its unreal color and aesthetic beauty during all seasons. The pond’s vibrant blue coloring is a result of aluminum that flows in from Shirahige Falls and is enhanced by the white canvas of rocks at its bottom. The man-made pond is the byproduct of a dam built to protect Biei from the volcanic mud of Mt. Tokachi's eruption.
Larch and silver birch trees stand submerged in the water—remnants of the forest before it was partially flooded. The scenery of lifeless trees against the lively blue waters is a truly mystical sight. The pond is best viewed on windless days when it resembles a mirror and perfectly reflects the sky.
As mentioned before, Blue Pond is mesmerizing in all seasons. During spring and summer, the water is at its bluest and the encircling verdant foliage enhances the coloring for a picture-perfect shot. In autumn, the pond’s water changes to an emerald green, which is complemented by the changing leaves. Winter is an especially magical time as the water freezes over and the trees receive a blanket of snow. At night, the town illuminates the scenery, creating a true winter wonderland.
While you are in the area, be sure to hike around and enjoy the surrounding nature.
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From Biei Station, take the Dohoku Bus to Blue Pond (20 mins).
The Blue Pond gets its name literally from the bright blue hue of its water. It is not naturally formed, and is a result of the creation of a dam in the wake of an eruption from a nearby volcano on Mount Tokachi. The Blue Pond changes color depending on weather and season. The pond only appears blue when viewed from land, and the color is not found in the water itself.