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 3 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

Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

HP: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/shirogane-blue-pond

Business hours: 駐車場　5月〜10月 7：00～19：00　11月～4月 8：00～21：30

Remarks: Parking fee: 1000 yen per standard car

If traveling by car (using the expressway), the Blue Pond is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo and about 3 hours from New Chitose Airport.
However, traffic congestion is frequent in the Biei and Furano areas during the summer tourist season, so be sure to plan your schedule with plenty of buffer time.

The parking lot (capacity for up to 100 cars) costs 1000 yen per car, and an automated payment machine is also available.
It's about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the Blue Pond.

If you plan to visit between early November and the end of April (during the period when the Blue Pond is illuminated), when there is a possibility of snowfall, snow tires are essential.

It's also possible to travel from Biei Station by bus or taxi. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
■Dohoku Bus (bound for Shirogane Onsen) One-way fare: 800 yen
■ Tourist taxi　Biei Hire　0166-92-1181

There are also many tour buses departing from Sapporo.

There's a shop right by the parking lot, offering unique items inspired by the Blue Pond, including their signature "Blue Pond Soft Serve Ice Cream," as well as "Blue Pond Manju (sweet buns)," "Blue Pond Pudding," and "Blue Pond Tea." There are also restrooms adjacent to the shop, including a multi-purpose restroom. However, it can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to use the restrooms at the nearby roadside station, "Shirogane Birke," beforehand.
Biei Blue Pond
The Shirogane Onsen hot spring resort and Shirahige Falls are a five-minute drive from the Blue Pond.
During peak seasons, it's recommended to stay at Shirogane Onsen and enjoy sightseeing in places like the Blue Pond, Biei, and Furano at a more relaxed pace.
*If you are going to Shirahige Falls, please use the parking and restrooms at the Biei Tourist Center.