The Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, is an artificial pond created to help prevent disasters following a volcanic eruption. It is famous for its mystical blue water and standing dead trees, creating a dreamlike landscape. The pond transforms beautifully throughout the seasons: turquoise blue in spring, deep sapphire blue in summer, accompanied by autumn foliage in fall, and illuminated during the winter light-up event (approximately from October to April), each season offering its own unique charm.
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You can reach the Shirogane Blue Pond by bus, join a day tour, or drive yourself. After your visit, don't miss the famous Blue Pond soft serve ice cream, especially the unique soda flavor. Nearby attractions include Shirahige Falls, while flower lovers should also visit Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei and Farm Tomita in Furano. Let's take a closer look!
Location: Shirogane Blue Pond
MapCode: 349 568 888
Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District (Map)
Parking Hours: May–October 07:00–19:00, November–April 08:00–21:30
Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/shirogane-blue-pond
About Shirogane Blue Pond
The Blue Pond is an artificial pond located in the Shirogane area of Biei. It was formed in 1988 after the construction of a check dam designed to prevent volcanic mudflows caused by eruptions of Mount Tokachi.
Why is the Shirogane Blue Pond blue? The vibrant color comes from mineral-rich volcanic ash and fine sediment suspended in the water, which reflect sunlight to create its stunning blue appearance.
The attraction itself is relatively small, and most visitors spend less than an hour here. However, its unique scenery makes it well worth a visit to experience one of nature's wonders.
Highlights of Visiting Shirogane Blue Pond
From the parking lot, it's less than a five-minute walk to the Blue Pond. Keep in mind that the path has many exposed tree roots, making it slightly inconvenient for strollers.
Most of the pond is surrounded by fences, and the viewing path is relatively narrow. Combined with the large number of visitors, it can feel crowded, but waiting patiently still allows you to capture beautiful photos.
I visited during summer when there were plenty of clouds and occasional sunshine. Although it wasn't as breathtaking as under clear blue skies, the scenery was still incredibly impressive.
The source of the Blue Pond is Shirahige Falls. The water contains abundant volcanic minerals, and together with the changing reflections of sunlight, the pond constantly shifts in color.
Walking along the trail and viewing the pond from different angles is like discovering a new surprise every few steps, making it impossible to look away.
Often called the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Japan," the Blue Pond feels almost otherworldly. Its unreal blue waters, combined with larch and white birch trees, create a poetic and enchanting landscape.
Summer's deep sapphire blue is my personal favorite, resembling the color of the sky itself. Spring offers a lovely turquoise hue, while autumn features colorful maple leaves, although I find the overall color palette a bit busier.
The Blue Pond became even more famous after being selected as one of Apple's built-in macOS wallpapers. On calm days, the shimmering water reflects like a mirror, making it perfect for capturing beautiful reflections.
The Shirogane Blue Pond is undoubtedly one of the must-visit attractions in Hokkaido. However, the scenery is much less impressive on rainy days, so visiting on a sunny day is highly recommended.
Of course, no visit is complete without the classic tourist photo! You don't need to walk the entire 30-minute trail—the pond is already visible within five minutes from the parking area. It's also a fantastic destination for families traveling with children in Hokkaido.
Shirogane Blue Pond Winter Illumination Schedule
During winter, the pond freezes over and becomes covered with snow, hiding its famous blue waters. However, visitors can enjoy the spectacular Blue Pond illumination event, which typically runs from October 24 through April 22.
The snow-covered landscape and bare trees create a tranquil and magical atmosphere. Please note that entering restricted areas is prohibited, and the illumination may be canceled due to severe weather conditions.
October–November: 17:00–21:00
December: 16:30–21:00
January: 17:00–21:00
February: 17:30–21:00
March: 18:00–21:00
April: 18:30–21:00
Note: Please check the latest illumination schedule before your visit.
Food & Souvenirs at Shirogane Blue Pond
After exploring the pond, don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop, where the exclusive Blue Pond soft serve ice cream is a must-try and one of the area's signature treats.
Almost everything sold in the gift shop comes in shades of blue, perfectly matching the iconic color of the Shirogane Blue Pond.
Besides the soft serve, popular souvenirs include Biei soda, blue fox plush toys, and Blue Pond pudding. A few lucky visitors have even spotted wild foxes nearby—though, of course, they aren't blue! 😄
I first tried the pure blue "Soda Flavor" soft serve, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The refreshing soda-like fizz blended with creamy ice cream was absolutely delicious and highly recommended.
After finishing it, I immediately bought the "Mixed Flavor" soda and milk soft serve. Unfortunately, the milk flavor was a bit too sweet and overpowered the refreshing soda taste, making it less memorable. The adorable blue fox-shaped cookie on top, however, was crispy, fragrant, and delicious.
How to Get to Shirogane Blue Pond
There are several ways to reach the Shirogane Blue Pond:
Public Transportation: Take the Dohoku Bus Biei–Shirogane Line from either Asahikawa Station or Biei Station (see details), and get off at "Shirogane Aoi Ike" bus stop.
By Car: The Blue Pond has a large parking lot with space for approximately 220 vehicles. A cleaning fee of ¥500 is charged upon exit (scheduled to increase to ¥1,000 starting July 1, 2026).
If you're planning to visit the Blue Pond, it's also a great idea to purchase transportation passes or rent a car to save money. These options are highly recommended for exploring Hokkaido.
Where to Stay Near Biei Blue Pond
The Blue Pond is located in the Biei area, where accommodation options are relatively limited. Since most of Biei's attractions can be explored in a single day, relatively few travelers choose to stay overnight in Biei itself.
Instead, many visitors prefer staying in nearby Furano or Asahikawa, which offer a wider selection of hotels. I personally recommend doing the same, and you'll find plenty of popular options there.
Hokkaido is a vast island, with Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Furano, Lake Toya Onsen, and Noboribetsu Onsen all being excellent places to stay during your trip.
If you're still deciding where to stay in Hokkaido, it's worth checking out a comprehensive Hokkaido accommodation guide to help you plan an efficient itinerary and make the most of your journey.
Nearby Attractions Around Shirogane Blue Pond
According to my customized Hokkaido attractions map, the Shirogane Blue Pond is located in Biei, roughly in the central part of the region.
For a perfect one-day itinerary, combine your visit with nearby Shirahige Falls, which is just next door. During the summer flower season, Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei and Farm Tomita in Furano are highly recommended. Other must-visit attractions that can be enjoyed year-round include Ningle Terrace and Asahiyama Zoo, both of which are within easy driving distance.