Biei Blue Pond - Hokkaido

Biei Blue Pond also called Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池) is a manmade pond that has a unique cobalt blue hue. It is located at Shirogane in the town of Biei in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Biei Blue Pond / Shirogane Blue Pond

Biei Blue Pond details

This man-made pond was born in the aftermath of the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, a protective measure taken by authorities to shield the town of Biei from the volcanic mudflows. Its mesmerizing azure hue owes its existence to the chance presence of colloidal aluminum hydroxide within its waters.

Biei Blue Pond - Biei town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Another intriguing theory posits that the pond's water, sourced from the convergence of tributaries near Shirokane Onsen and Shirahige Falls alongside the Biei River, carries minerals such as sulfur and aluminum commonly found in hot springs. When these diverse waters merge, they create an indiscernible "colloid."

You will see this sign when you drive along Route 966

Biei Blue Pond Area Guide Map

The parking area during the peak season/weekend.

It is said that when sunlight hits the water's surface, it encounters these colloidal particles, triggering a scattering effect that diffuses light in myriad directions. This phenomenon favors the dispersion of shorter wavelength blue light, thereby lending the pond its distinctive azure tint. Alternatively, some suggest that the reflective nature of the white soil lining the pond floor enhances its blue appearance.

Biei Blue Pond Photos

The transient transformation of the pond into a muddy brown hue in the aftermath of Typhoon Mindulle's fury in August 2016 serves as a poignant reminder of its susceptibility to environmental shifts, with sediment from the Biei River momentarily altering its color profile.

Blue Pond Shop

The global spotlight shone upon Biei Blue Pond in 2012 when it graced the desktop wallpaper of Apple Mac. Since then, it has evolved into a must-see destination for tourists worldwide, beckoning thousands annually to behold its enchanting allure.

Blue Pond Soda and Blue Soft Cream

Blue Pond Soda / Aoiike Soda

Blue soft cream

The Blue Soft Cream tastes like soda

During the winter, you cannot see the blue water surface due to snow. Therefore, the Biei Blue Pond is lit up so that you can enjoy it even in winter. You can see the Biei Blue Pond Illumination schedule below.

Team Nicerio visits Biei Blue Pond

My family and I visited Biei Blue Pond for the first time last October 22, 2022, during our “October 22-23” Road Trip. It was my 355th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of the highlights of the first day of our road trip and it was also the last destination for the day. Since it was almost closing time for the parking area when we arrived, the tourists were mostly leaving so there were only a handful of people when we were exploring the pond. On the downside, it was getting darker so we were left with a small window to appreciate the unique blue-ness of Biei Blue Pond. 

Biei Blue Pond Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Biei Blue Pond grounds. However, if you are planning to visit by private vehicle, you need to pay a parking fee.

Motorcycles – 100 yen

Car – 500 yen

Aside from that, it is highly suggested that you bring cash in case you would want to buy souvenirs in the souvenir store or try the famed Blue Soft Cream and Blue Pond Soda. 

Biei Blue Pond Operating Hours

Although there are no definite operating times. It is suggested that visitors stay within the parking lot usage time.

Parking lot usage time:

May/October - 7 AM to 6 PM

June to September – 7 AM to 7 PM

November to April – 8 AM to 9:30 PM

Biei Blue Pond Illumination Schedule

Since the Blue Pond is frozen and covered in snow from late November to April, It is illuminated with blue light from:

November – 5 PM to 9 PM

December – 4:30 PM to 9 PM

January – 5 PM to 9 PM

February – 5:30 PM to 9 PM

March – 6 PM to 9 PM

April - 6:30 PM to 9 PM

The illumination event might be canceled in case of bad weather.

Why visit Biei Blue Pond?

Biei Blue Pond is one of the main tourist attractions of the town of Biei. It is one of those places that you should include in your itinerary when visiting the town. Although there is nothing much to do here you can stroll around the pond while appreciating its beauty is the pond. Also don’t forget to try the blue soft cream and blue pond soda sold at the Blue Pond Shop (青い池 売店).

Getting to Biei Blue Pond

 

The Blue Pond sits adjacent to prefectural road number 966, linking central Biei to Tokachidake Onsen via Shirogane Onsen. A parking area, charging 500 yen per car, is conveniently located alongside the road, providing easy access to the pond with just a brief 5-10 minute stroll.

For travelers relying on public transportation, buses traveling between Biei Station and Shirogane Onsen make a stop at Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi (白金青い池入口) along the route. The journey from Biei Station to the pond spans approximately 20 minutes one way, priced at 550 yen. However, buses operate at intervals of 2-3 hours. During the summer months, select sightseeing buses also include the Blue Pond as part of their itinerary.

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