Tucked away in the peaceful town of Biei, Shirogane Blue Pond emerges like a surreal painting. Its pure turquoise surface reflects the sky with mirror-like stillness, inviting visitors to slow down and simply breathe. More than just a tourist attraction, this pond is a rare natural wonder that inspires photographers, artists, and nature lovers from around the world.
(Image source: collected)
📍 Location & How to Get There
Shirogane Blue Pond is located in Biei, Hokkaido, approximately 30 kilometers from Asahikawa and 25 kilometers from Furano. It is easily accessible by car, local bus from Biei Station, or even by bicycle for those who want to immerse themselves in the fresh air and countryside scenery of Hokkaido.
📌 Tip: From Biei Station, take the bus to Shirogane Aoi Ike Iriguchi. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
🌌 The Magical Origin of the Blue Hue
The pond’s distinctive blue color isn’t simply a reflection of the sky. It comes from natural minerals, primarily aluminum hydroxide, dissolved in spring water flowing from Mount Tokachi, a nearby active volcano. Under sunlight, the pond glimmers in shades ranging from turquoise to cobalt and deep blue, depending on the weather and angle of light.
Interestingly, this pond wasn’t entirely formed by nature. It resulted from a disaster-prevention project. After the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, a secondary dam system was built to control volcanic mudflows. Over time, the accumulated water formed a pond, and with it, the mysterious blue emerged.
(Image source: collected)
🌲 Silent Trees Amid Blue Waters
The most visually striking feature of Shirogane Blue Pond is the presence of bare white birch and red pine trees, standing motionless in the water. These lifeless trunks, remnants of a once-living forest, have become silent witnesses to time and transformation. Their presence adds a dreamlike, cinematic quality to the pond.
On misty days, the entire landscape turns ethereal. In autumn, the golden and crimson leaves from surrounding trees create vivid contrast against the icy blue water. And in winter, both the pond and the forest are covered in a soft blanket of snow. It is a scene of absolute stillness and breathtaking beauty.
(Image source: collected)
📷 Experiences & Best Photography Times
Swimming or boating is not allowed, to preserve the natural beauty of the pond. However, well-maintained walking trails and observation decks offer excellent viewpoints for photography. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight casts a magical shimmer across the pond’s surface.
🎥 The pond gained worldwide attention when Apple selected an image of it as the default wallpaper for macOS.
🍂 Best Times to Visit
Spring – Summer (May to August)
During this period, the pond reaches peak clarity, with bright turquoise waters and vibrant greenery all around. The weather is pleasantly cool, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a cycling trip across the nearby fields.
Autumn (September – October)
As the leaves begin to change color, the landscape surrounding the pond transforms into a living canvas. Fiery red and golden maples reflect on the blue surface, creating a striking contrast between warm foliage and cool water – a visual harmony that feels both calming and awe-inspiring.
(Image source: collected)
Winter (December – February)
The area is enveloped in snow, and the pond often freezes over. The bare trees and soft mist create a mystical atmosphere. At night, the Blue Pond Illumination event lights up the entire scene with dreamy hues of blue and purple, offering visitors a fairytale-like winter experience that’s unique to Hokkaido.
🏞 Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
Shirogane Onsen
Just a short drive from the pond, this natural hot spring is perfect for relaxing after a walk around the area. Surrounded by mountains and forests, Shirogane Onsen offers open-air baths (rotenburo) where visitors can enjoy the warm waters while watching snow fall gently over Mount Tokachi.
Shirahige Waterfall (Shirahige no Taki)
Located just a 3-minute walk from the pond, this cascading waterfall flows down steep rock faces like a white veil between the trees. In winter, the scene is even more dramatic, as the waterfall remains flowing while the surroundings are covered in snow. It is a rare sight in Hokkaido.
(Image source: collected)
Flower Hills of Biei and Furano
During summer, don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby flower fields. From lavender and sunflowers to marigolds and poppies, the hills burst into waves of color. These iconic landscapes are a favorite for photographers and a highlight of any summer visit to central Hokkaido.
🌿 Reflections – When Nature Becomes Art
There are no amusement rides or noisy crowds here. Shirogane Blue Pond is a sanctuary of stillness, a meditative space where you can slow down, feel the breeze, and lose yourself in the serene beauty of water and sky.
Standing at its edge, you feel as though you have stepped into another world, a place where time pauses and nature speaks not with words but with silence. Long after you leave, the memory of that gentle blue lingers in your mind, like a soft echo of peace from Hokkaido’s hidden gem.
