Let's go see the "Blue Pond Light-Up" in winter. Discover a different, fantastical beauty compared to summer. | Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture~

Let's go see the "Blue Pond Light-Up" in winter. You'll encounter a fantastical beauty different from that of summer.

: Furano, Biei, Tomamu

: Last updated: September 11, 2023

The "Blue Pond" has now become one of the must-see tourist attractions when visiting Biei. It is a reservoir located at the foot of Mount Tokachi, near Shirogane Onsen.
Located about 3 kilometers upstream from the Blue Pond, the "Shirahige Falls" are fed by mineral-rich groundwater, and the mixing of this groundwater with the waters of the Biei River creates the magnificent milky blue color.

This spot, with its mystical hues, continues to captivate tourists, but in winter, it reveals a completely different face.

Although the beautiful blue surface of the water is no longer visible, the entire area is covered in pure white snow and illuminated by fantastical lights. This time, we report on the breathtaking scenery of this secluded "Blue Pond"!

Table of contents

●What is the Blue Pond?

● How to get to the Blue Pond in winter

●A different world in winter! The fantastical "Blue Pond Light-up"

●To see the "Shirahige Falls Illumination" together

● Items to bring and important notes

●What is the Blue Pond?

The "Blue Pond" is a pond that became famous after it was featured as a wallpaper for Apple's MacBook Pro.

During construction work following the eruption of Mount Tokachi, water happened to accumulate on the embankment built along the main course of the Biei River to prevent volcanic mudflows, which resulted in the current landscape.
青い池
The reason the Blue Pond is blue is that when the water from the main stream of the Biei River mixes with the groundwater from the Shirahige Falls in Shirogane Onsen, colloidal particles are created in the water. These colloidal particles scatter short-wavelength blue light, producing the magnificent milky blue hue.

● How to get to the Blue Pond in winter

Blue Pond Light-up
First, let's talk about how to get to the "Blue Pond" in winter. The pond is located about 4km before Shirogane Onsen, about 17km east of Biei town.

If you're coming from Biei town, take Prefectural Road 966. This road is mostly flat and straight, making it very easy to drive on. On the other hand, if you're coming from Kamifurano, take Prefectural Road 353. This road has many curves and is a mountain pass, so drive carefully.

Snow and ice are common in both areas, so studded tires are essential.

青い池

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

●A different world in winter! The fantastical "Blue Pond Light-up"

Blue Pond Light-up
The Blue Pond is illuminated from early November to the end of April. While this is somewhat of Hokkaido's off-season, this is a fantastic sight that can only be seen for a limited time.

The milky blue surface of the water is covered with snow, shining brilliantly white. Various lights shine upon it, causing the scenery to change rapidly, much like a natural concert venue.
Blue Pond Light-up
The shadows of the withered trees are cast onto the snowfield, creating an artwork-like scene. The contrast of light and shadow reveals a completely different side of the "Blue Pond" compared to daytime.

If the weather is fine during the day, you can sometimes see the majestic Tokachi mountain range in the background. Also, if you pay close attention to your footing, you can spot animal footprints.

Perhaps it is precisely because winter is so isolated that we can truly feel the harshness of nature and the profound sense of being alive.

●To see the "Shirahige Falls Illumination" together

Shirahige Falls Light-up
Along with the Blue Pond, another place that will be illuminated is the "Shirahige Falls" in Shirogane Onsen. It's about a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond.

This waterfall is classified as a subterranean waterfall, where groundwater flows from cracks in the bedrock, making it an extremely rare type of waterfall in Japan.
Blue Pond Light-up
This light-up is simple, using only white light. However, precisely because of this, you should be able to appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape in its purest form.

Part of it has turned into an icefall, and its pale blue glow makes for a truly mystical sight.

Shirahige Falls

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

● Items to bring and important notes

Blue Pond Light-up
Finally, here's some information about what to bring and things to keep in mind when visiting the light-up event.

In winter, the temperature around the Blue Pond can drop below -20°C. Therefore, be sure to take proper precautions against the cold. Waterproof gloves that can repel snow, a neck warmer, and a balaclava are essential items to bring.

Also, if you plan to take photos, it's best to bring a tripod as it will be quite dark. In any case, make sure to dress warmly in both top and bottom clothing.

Blue Pond Light-up

Business hours: November, 5 PM - 9 PM
December 16:30-21:12
March, 6 PM - 9 PM
April 17:30-21:2
March, 6 PM - 9 PM
April 18:30-21:4
*From December 31st to January 3rd, the lights will be on until 12:1 AM the following day.

Remarks: *The event may be canceled in case of bad weather. In that case, we will announce it on the town's website and other platforms.
*During the winter months, the blue water surface cannot be seen due to snow cover.
*Please do not enter areas other than the viewpoint, as they are extremely dangerous. In particular, do not enter the pond.

HP: https://town.biei.hokkaido.jp/

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

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