A Look at the Beautiful Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

This video, titled "[Superb View / Drone Film] Blue Pond Biei, Hokkaido [4K]" (【絶景/空撮】青い池 北海道美瑛町《4K》 "Blue Pond" Hokkaido), was released by "Noriyuki Ichikawa 《4K Drone Film》."

When you hear the name Hokkaido, you probably think of gourmet food like miso ramen and seafood, or perhaps you know of the historical and cultural landmarks, such as Goryokaku or the Brick Warehouses in Otaru.
However, if there's one thing we shouldn't forget, it's that Hokkaido is one of the most magnificent natural areas of Japan.
One such place in Hokkaido, Biei, has the wonderous "Blue Pond" ("Aoi-Ike" in Japanese) that can be seen in the video.
It's as popular as the lavender field in Biei, Furano (富良野).

In this article, we'll introduce the Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido.
Be sure to follow along with the video to see the beautiful natural landscapes of Hokkaido!

The Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

Photo：The Blue Pond

The "Blue Pond" is a famous tourist attraction located in Shirogane (白金), Biei, Kamikawa District (上川郡), Hokkaido.

Its official name is "Shirogane Blue Pond."
As the name suggests, the surface of the pond is a brilliant blue.
By nature, the pond does not appear blue, but there is a reason for its color.

In the vicinity of Blue Pond, there's the "Shirahige Falls" in the Shirogane Hot Springs area."
Shirahige Falls has groundwater welling up from the inside of the cliffs and this water contains aluminum components.
When the falls merge with Biei River (美瑛川), colloidal particles that are invisible to the naked eye are created and scatter the rays of sun evenly.
The particles tend to scatter short-wavelength blue light, which makes the pond appear blue.

In addition, the sulfur and lime components in the Shirogane Hot Spring water flowing from the side of the waterfall also complement the scattering of light, making the stones and rocks on the riverbed appear white.
It enhances the blue color of the pond and creates a spectacular view like nothing you've seen before.

The Conditions for Seeing the Beautiful Blue Pond

Photo：Shirokane Aoi Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

A visit to the "Shirogane Blue Pond" does not necessarily mean that you will see the Blue Pond. The keys to seeing the Blue Pond are "weather" and "time of day".
It is not recommended to go on rainy days, as the water will increase and the colors become lighter and murky afterwards.
That being said, you should check the weather before visiting Shirogane Blue Pond.

A good time to visit is in the afternoon.
12:00 - 1:00 PM is generally the best time to visit.
The angle of the sun is also an important factor.
The angle of the sun will determine whether the colloid glow blue or not.

Access To Biei, Hokkaido's Blue Pond

Photo：Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido is a 25-minute bus ride from Biei Station.
Take the Tohoku Bus bound for Shirogane Onsen and get off at the "Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance" (白金青い池入口, Shirogane Aoi-ike Iriguchi.
If you go via the JR line, it's recommended that you take the JR and drive or use the bus to get to Aoi Pond, as it's far from the nearest station.
Parking lots are available for those who come by car.

There are various sightseeing destinations around Blue Pond in Biei Town, Hokkaido that are popular as well; "Tokachidake Observatory," "Seidai Park," "Chiyoda no Oka Observation Deck," "Sanai no Oka Observatory Park," "Shinei no Oka Observation Park," and "Shikisai-no-oka Hill."
Be sure to check these out as well if you have the chance.

Summary of Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido

Photo：An illumination at Shirogane Blue Pond in Hokkaido

The blue pond in Biei, Hokkaido is a mysterious pond created by nature, and the stunning sight created by the blue pond and the four seasons of Hokkaido is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see it.

The Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido is also lit up during the winter months.
During this time, you can enjoy the white snow coupled with the blue water, as well as the stars that fill the night sky.
It'll make for some amazing Instagram pictures as well!

Come and see the fantastical, world-renowned Blue Pond with your own eyes and appreciate the splendor of nature.

【Official Website】Shirogane Blue Pond: Biei Tourism Association
https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/

【Tripadvisor】Shirogane Blue Pond
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120350-d1815328-Reviews-Shirogane_Blue_Pond-Biei_cho_Kamikawa_gun_Hokkaido.html