💙 Blue Pond, Biei | Japan’s Dreamlike Mirror of Sky
In the quiet landscapes of Hokkaido’s Biei Town lies the Blue Pond (青い池) —
a surreal body of water whose mysterious, milky-blue color shifts with the light.
Surrounded by white birch trees and soft hills,
this tranquil pond looks as if it were painted by nature itself —
a mirror of the northern sky that captures serenity in every shade of blue.
🌌 Where Color Meets Silence
The pond was accidentally created after a nearby dam was built to prevent volcanic erosion.
Minerals from the underground streams — mainly aluminum — scatter sunlight,
turning the water a stunning turquoise or cobalt blue, depending on the day.
Dead trees rise from the surface like sculptures,
their silhouettes reflecting quietly in the still, luminous water.
🌿 The Seasons of Blue Pond
Spring (May–June):
Fresh greens frame the pond’s pastel blue — a gentle, awakening beauty.
Summer (July–August):
Bright skies deepen the water’s hue to vivid azure; reflections are crystal-clear.
Autumn (September–October):
Golden leaves drift across the blue surface, painting a scene of soft contrast.
Winter (November–April):
Frozen still and dusted with snow — the pond turns into a silent, white-and-blue dreamscape.
📸 Highlights & Experiences
Reflections of Light:
Walk along the viewing path to see how the color shifts with angle and sunlight —
each moment reveals a new version of blue.
Photography Tips:
Visit in the morning or on calm days for mirror-like reflections.
Polarizing filters help enhance the pond’s vivid tones.
Nearby Spot — Shirahige Falls (白ひげの滝):
Just a short drive away — another breathtaking site where the same mineral water cascades into the Biei River.
Biei’s Rolling Hills:
Combine your visit with a drive through Biei’s Patchwork Road and Panorama Road for postcard-perfect scenery.
🧭 Access & Basic Info
Name: Blue Pond (青い池, Aoi-ike)
Location: Biei Town, Hokkaido, Japan
Type: Scenic Pond / Natural Wonder
Best Season: Year-round (most vibrant from spring to autumn)
Access:
🚗 By car: About 30 min from Asahikawa or 2.5 hr from Sapporo
🚃 By train: Biei Station → 20 min by taxi or local bus
Official Info: Biei Tourism Association
✨ The Blue Pond isn’t just a sight —
it’s a feeling of stillness painted in color.
As you watch the light shift across its surface,
you’ll sense the quiet poetry of Hokkaido — a landscape where sky, water, and soul become one.
