Biei's iconic scenic spot, "Blue Pond" | Why is it blue? Is it really not blue? Scenery in spring, summer, autumn, and winter | Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~ - Part 2 Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Biei's iconic scenic spot, "Blue Pond" | Why is it blue? Is it really not blue to some? Scenery throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

: Furano, Biei, Tomamu

: Last updated: September 13, 2026

Table of contents

Why is it blue? A mysterious color born in the foothills of Mount Tokachi.

The beautiful blue pond in every season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter

Access and basic information about the Blue Pond

The beautiful blue pond in every season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter

The "Blue Pond" boasts a uniform, beautiful cobalt blue color that stretches across the water without any stagnation. It displays a different appearance with each season, offering breathtaking scenery no matter when you visit. Here, we introduce the charm of the Blue Pond throughout the four seasons.

Spring (March to early May)

Biei Blue Pond, Spring Spring arrives late at the foot of Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido, and the ice typically begins to melt and the water surface becomes visible around late April. The ice gradually melts from the center of the pond, and the contrast with the blue water surface visible through the gaps is captivating.
Biei Blue Pond On chilly mornings, the blue light shines through the thin ice, and the fluttering snow leaves patterns of wind across the surface.

Summer (mid-May to September)

Biei Blue Pond
When the weather is clear, there is no wind, and the sun is directly overhead around midday, the Blue Pond reflects a magnificent cobalt blue. The breathtaking blue, combined with the dead larch trees, creates a fantastical landscape that will leave you captivated. The water may sometimes appear greenish after rain or depending on the lighting, but what kind of blue pond you'll encounter is a surprise you'll discover when you visit.

Autumn (October and November)

Blue Pond, Autumn, Autumn Leaves In the foothills of Mount Tokachi, the first snowfall can be observed as early as October. The autumn foliage begins in early September, and by mid-to-late October, the leaves have descended to the Blue Pond at an altitude of 500m. During this season, sunlight does not reach as far as in summer, and the weather is often unstable, so the surface of the water often turns a greenish color.

Winter (December to March)

Biei Blue Pond In late October, the area around the Blue Pond is sometimes drenched by the first snow of the season. In the depths of winter, the lake freezes over, transforming the landscape into one of snow piled on top of the pond and dead trees standing in the water.

Every year, the area is illuminated from early November to the end of April. The shadows of the larch trees are cast onto the snow-covered field, creating geometric patterns that resemble works of art, and spotlights are also shone on animal footprints in the snow. It is a stylish display that evokes the harsh yet beautiful winter scenery of the Blue Pond.

Blue Pond Light-Up Schedule
October/November 17:00-21:00
December 16:30-21:00
April 17:00-21:00
April 17:30-21:00
April 18:00-21:00
April 18:30-21:00
*The light-up event is scheduled to take place from October 25th to April 23rd during the 2024-2025 season.

Next page: Access and basic information about the Blue Pond