Biei Blue Pond

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

The Blue Pond (Aoiike) near Biei in central Hokkaido is a small, otherworldly pool whose water glows in vivid shades of turquoise and cobalt. The colour comes from natural minerals, especially aluminium hydroxide, suspended in water flowing from the Tokachi volcanic range, which scatter light to create the surreal hue.

Surrounded by the pale, bare trunks of dead larch and birch, the pond became world-famous after appearing as an Apple wallpaper. It lies amid Biei's rolling patchwork farmland, a short drive from Furano's flower fields.

The Blue Pond offers a genuinely unusual natural spectacle, an almost unreal blue rarely seen elsewhere, framed by ghostly tree trunks. It is compact, easy to visit and endlessly photogenic in every season.

Combined with Biei's famous rolling hills, tree-dotted vistas and the nearby Shirahige Waterfall, it makes central Hokkaido one of Japan's most scenic touring areas.

The pond itself is the highlight, its colour shifting with light and season from milky turquoise to deep blue. The nearby Shirahige Waterfall, which feeds the mineral water into the river, is a close second.

Biei's Patchwork Road and Panorama Road hills, dotted with lone trees made famous by advertisements, round out the area's scenic highlights, along with winter light-ups of the pond.

Walk the short lakeside path to view and photograph the Blue Pond from several angles, then drive up to Shirogane Onsen to see the Shirahige Waterfall and enjoy a hot-spring soak. Tour Biei's Patchwork and Panorama roads to see the iconic solitary trees.

In summer combine with Furano's lavender, and in winter attend the evening illumination when the pond is dramatically lit.

The Blue Pond is the star, complemented by the Shirahige Waterfall at Shirogane Onsen just upstream. Biei's Patchwork Road landmarks such as the Ken and Mary Tree, Seven Stars Tree and Mild Seven Hill are essential companions.

The Takushinkan gallery of Shinzo Maeda's landscape photography and the Shikisai-no-Oka flower hill are also worth seeing.

The Blue River just below the pond shows the same turquoise flowing water with almost no crowds, and the quiet forest road around Shirogane rewards slow exploration. The Zerubu Hill and Chiyoda farm viewpoints see fewer buses than the famous named trees.

Early morning mist over the pond and the little-visited Shirogane hot-spring inns offer a more peaceful side of the area.

Biei's culture is rooted in farming and landscape photography, and visitors can appreciate this at the Takushinkan gallery devoted to photographer Shinzo Maeda, whose images made these hills famous. Local farm cafes and craft studios reflect the agricultural community.

Sampling Biei's dairy, vegetables and the Shirogane onsen tradition connects visitors to the rhythms of rural Hokkaido life.

The area is prime for scenic driving, cycling and gentle walks among hills, ponds and waterfalls, all set beneath the Tokachidake volcanic range within Daisetsuzan National Park. Hiking trails lead into the mountains from Shirogane.

Hot springs, forest paths and the mineral-rich rivers offer a strong dose of nature, with volcanic scenery and, in winter, deep snow.

Children are captivated by the pond's unreal colour and the nearby waterfall, and the short flat paths suit families. Shikisai-no-Oka nearby offers flower fields, a tractor-wagon ride and alpaca to visit.

Farm cafes with ice cream and the open hills for gentle strolls make Biei a relaxed family-touring destination in the warmer months.

Biei and Shirogane are rural and quiet after dark, with evenings centred on onsen inns and local restaurants rather than nightlife. The winter Blue Pond illumination is the main evening draw.

For livelier options, visitors return to Asahikawa or Furano, or simply enjoy a hot-spring soak under the stars.

The Blue Pond's dead-tree reflections, best in still morning light, are the signature shot, with colour varying by weather and season. The Shirahige Waterfall's blue plume and Biei's lone hill trees are equally photogenic.

Winter's snow-framed, illuminated pond and autumn's colour on the surrounding forest give year-round variety for photographers.

The Blue Pond is not entirely natural in origin: it formed after erosion-control dams were built on the Biei River in the late 1980s following the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, trapping mineral-laden water and creating the pond by accident. Its striking colour soon drew photographers.

Global fame arrived when Apple used a photograph of the pond as a Mac wallpaper, making this once-obscure spot an international attraction.

Biei prides itself on its cultivated landscape, and farmers, photographers and tourism coexist around the famous hills. Respect for the working farmland is a strong local value, since many iconic trees stand on private land.

The community celebrates its dairy, vegetables and seasonal beauty, maintaining a gentle rural character despite the pond's fame.

Late spring to early summer often shows the most vivid turquoise, while autumn adds colourful foliage around the pond. Summer pairs perfectly with Furano's lavender.

Winter transforms the frozen, snow-draped pond, illuminated on evenings from around November to April. The colour is strongest on calm, bright days regardless of season.

Biei has a cool inland climate: comfortable summers around 22 to 28 C with cool nights, crisp autumns, and long, snowy winters often far below freezing. Its elevation and mountain proximity make conditions changeable.

Morning mist is common by the pond, and mountain weather can shift quickly. Winters bring deep snow and icy roads, so dress and drive accordingly.

The main scheduled event is the Blue Pond winter illumination, lighting the frozen pond on evenings roughly from November through April. Biei's surrounding flower hills like Shikisai-no-Oka peak in summer bloom.

Seasonal farm markets and autumn harvest activities occur in the town, and Furano's nearby festivals are easily combined. Check official sites for illumination dates.

A half day covers the Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall with a Shirogane onsen stop; extend to a full day by touring Biei's Patchwork and Panorama roads and visiting Shikisai-no-Oka. Combine with Furano's flower fields for a two-day central-Hokkaido loop.

Arrive at the pond early to catch calm water and softer crowds.

The pond itself takes under an hour, but half a day is ideal to include the waterfall and onsen, and a full day to add Biei's hills and flower fields. Two days lets you pair Biei with Furano comfortably.

Photographers may want repeat visits at different times of day for varying light and colour.

The Blue Pond is best reached by car, about 20 minutes from central Biei toward Shirogane Onsen. From Asahikawa it is roughly 40 to 60 minutes' drive.

Without a car, take the JR line to Biei Station, then a Dohoku bus toward Shirogane Onsen that stops near the pond in summer, or join a tour from Asahikawa, Furano or Sapporo.

A rental car is by far the most practical way to explore the pond, waterfall and Biei's scattered hill viewpoints. Cycling is popular in summer among the gentle hills, though distances are significant.

Seasonal buses link Biei Station, the Blue Pond and Shirogane Onsen, and guided tours cover the highlights for those without their own transport.

JR Biei Station on the Furano Line is the nearest rail station, about 20 minutes' drive from the pond. Asahikawa is the nearest major transport hub with rail and air links.

Dohoku buses serve the Shirogane route seasonally; the nearest airport is Asahikawa, with New Chitose as the larger gateway.

The Blue Pond is an open outdoor site accessible free during daylight, with a large paid car park nearby. In winter it opens for evening illumination on scheduled dates.

The Shirahige Waterfall viewpoint is open at all hours. Bus schedules and illumination timings are seasonal, so check the official site for current details.

Entry to the Blue Pond and the Shirahige Waterfall is free. Parking costs around 500 yen for cars during the day.

The winter illumination is also generally free to view, with parking fees. Nearby attractions like Shikisai-no-Oka may charge small admission; confirm current prices on official sites.

Biei town has farm cafes and restaurants serving curry, soup curry, dairy sweets and locally grown vegetables, and Shirogane Onsen has inn dining. A small kiosk near the pond car park sells snacks and drinks.

Biei is known for corn, potatoes and Biei-jin cheese and milk, and nearby Furano adds melon and wine options.

The area's cuisine highlights Biei's rich farm produce: sweet corn, potatoes, pumpkin, dairy, and hearty curries. Soft-serve ice cream made from local milk is a favourite roadside treat.

Seasonal vegetables, Hokkaido lamb and, close by, Furano melon and wine complete the local flavours, best enjoyed at farm-to-table cafes.

Shirogane Onsen offers hot-spring hotels and inns close to the pond, ideal for early or late visits, while Biei town and nearby Asahikawa provide pensions, guesthouses and hotels. Furano is another convenient base.

Summer and the winter illumination season are busy, so book ahead. Onsen stays let you enjoy the pond at its quietest hours.

The pond is essentially free aside from parking, so costs centre on transport, meals and accommodation. A day trip by car with lunch runs roughly 5,000 to 10,000 yen per person including fuel share and food.

Onsen stays and guided tours cost more, while train-and-bus visitors keep expenses modest. Combining with Furano spreads touring costs.

Souvenir stalls at the pond and in Biei town sell photographs, postcards, blue-themed sweets and local produce. Farm shops offer Biei corn, potatoes, dairy products and cheese.

Shirogane and Furano nearby add onsen goods, lavender products and Hokkaido crafts, making the area good for edible and photographic keepsakes.

Keep to the marked viewing paths and behind barriers, as the pond banks are muddy and the water is not for swimming. Roads to Shirogane are narrow and, in winter, icy, so drive with care and proper tyres.

The area lies in a volcanic zone and bears inhabit the surrounding mountains, so heed any official warnings and stay on established routes.

The main Blue Pond viewing path is a relatively flat gravel trail, partly manageable for wheelchairs and strollers, though surfaces are uneven in places. The car park is close to the viewpoint.

Winter snow and ice reduce accessibility, and the waterfall viewpoint involves some walking. Check ahead if you have specific mobility needs.

As a major tourist site, the pond has some multilingual signage, but Biei's rural shops and inns may have limited English. Cafe menus often include pictures, and tour operators provide English guides.

A translation app is handy, and basic polite Japanese is welcomed. Rental cars with multilingual navigation ease independent touring.

Visit early morning for the calmest water and best colour, and check recent weather since heavy rain can cloud the pond. A car greatly eases reaching the pond, waterfall and Biei's hills.

Combine with Furano in a two-day loop, carry cash for parking and small shops, and dress warmly for the exposed, cool location, especially at the winter illumination.

Bring a camera, comfortable shoes for the gravel path, and layers as the site is cool even in summer. Sun protection helps in the open, and coins are useful for parking.

Winter visitors need full cold-weather clothing and non-slip boots for the illumination. Water and snacks are wise as facilities are limited.

Stay on designated paths to protect the fragile banks, and never enter or disturb the water. Respect that many of Biei's famous trees stand on private farmland and should be viewed from roadsides only.

Carry out all rubbish, carshare or use seasonal buses where possible, and support Biei's farm cafes and producers to sustain the local economy.

The Shirahige Waterfall and Shirogane Onsen are minutes away, and Biei's Patchwork and Panorama road hills surround the area. Shikisai-no-Oka's flower fields are a short drive.

Furano's lavender farms lie to the south, Asahikawa with its zoo to the north, and the Tokachidake and Daisetsuzan mountain trails rise nearby.

The Biei tourism association and the Shikisai Information Center at Biei Station provide maps, bus timetables and current pond conditions. Official sites announce the winter illumination schedule and access details.

Confirm seasonal bus routes, parking and illumination dates through official channels before visiting, as much of the area's tourism is weather and season dependent.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.