Visiting Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) in Biei during our summer road trip across Hokkaido was an absolute bucket-list moment that surpassed every single expectation we had from seeing photos online. Located just a short drive from the nearby Shirahige Waterfall, pulling into the spacious and remarkably well-managed parking area was completely effortless, allowing us to hit the flat, tree-lined walking trail within minutes of parking our car. The moment the pond comes into view through the silver birch trees, the striking turquoise-blue color of the water is almost surreal, glowing with an otherworldly intensity caused by natural aluminum minerals dissolving from the surrounding volcanic springs. What makes the scenery so deeply captivating is the hauntingly beautiful contrast between the vibrant, glass-like water and the stark, withered Japanese larch trees standing dead-still in the middle of the pond, creating an ethereal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that feels like stepping right into a painting or an iconic desktop wallpaper. Walking along the designated gravel pathway that traces the edge of the water offers countless unique angles for photography, as the shade of blue shifts continuously depending on the angle of the sunlight, cloud coverage, and gentle ripples across the surface. We were fortunate enough to catch it on a clear, sunny summer afternoon, where the bright blue sky and lush green forest canopy reflected perfectly onto the water, framing the dramatic Tokachi mountain range in the distance. Even though it is one of Hokkaido’s most famous and popular tourist destinations, the wide layout of the trail distributes visitors comfortably, allowing everyone to take their time, soak in the quiet magic of the landscape, and snap breathtaking photos without feeling rushed. Before heading back out onto the open road, stopping by the local kiosk to grab their famous blue-hued soft-serve ice cream—a delightfully refreshing, cider-and-milk flavored treat that matched the pond’s exact color—was such a fun, memorable touch to round out the visit. Everything about the site is exceptionally clean, thoughtfully preserved, and easily accessible for travelers of all ages, serving as a quintessential highlight of any driving itinerary through the Biei and Furano regions. If you are exploring central Hokkaido, seeing this natural wonder in person is a non-negotiable must-visit experience that will leave you completely spellbound by the island’s unique geology and raw beauty.
On sunny days, the water takes on a brilliant, jewel-like blue that looks just like a scene from a high-definition nature wallpaper. On cloudier days, the water shifts into a deep, mysterious, and serene shade of green. To capture the pond at its most radiant, I highly recommend planning your visit for a sunny day.
After taking in the view, be sure to visit the shop by the parking area. They offer a unique, "Blue Pond-inspired" soft-serve ice cream. Available in three distinct shades of blue and green, these ice creams beautifully mirror the varying colors of the pond as it appears under different weather conditions. It is a creative, delicious, and essential part of the Blue Pond experience.
Adding to the bloat of pictures. Went in June on a Friday. After biking around Biei, opted to return my bike and bus to the blue pond. Biking is an option, but rain was in the forecast and I really didn't relish the idea of being almost a two hour bike ride away from Biei in the rain.
Blue pond itself was crowded, but it took less than a minute to find an opening and secure since photos. Honestly, that's all I did. Popped in, admired the pond, took some photos, then off I was.
Instead of taking the bus from blue pond, it was about a 45 minute hike to Shirahige Waterfall. There is a dedicated path, separate from the road, and it was a pleasant walk. Very easy, no elevation gain. Shirogane fudo no taki Falls is along the way (though you need to cross the street to get to it).
If you're able to make the hike, this would be my absolute best recommendation for the area: bus to blue pond, hike to Shirahige waterfall (with a pit stop at Shirogane Falls), then bus back to Biei. Tip - this bus takes credit cards!
The Blue Pond is one of those places that genuinely looks like something out of a dream. The colour of the water is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in person. Depending on the sunlight and angle, it shifts between bright turquoise and deep blue, creating a really unique and beautiful scene.
What makes it even more special are the dead tree trunks standing in the water, giving the pond an almost mysterious atmosphere. It’s easy to understand why this has become one of Hokkaido’s most famous attractions.
The walking paths are well maintained, and it doesn’t take long to explore, but I found myself spending much more time there than expected because I kept stopping to admire the views and take photos. Even with other visitors around, the area still felt peaceful.
This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip, and I would happily visit again during a different season to see how the scenery changes throughout the year.
Went here on a weekday by bus. Only a short walk to reach the Blue Pond. The entry was free as well. The view was really beautiful. The color was relaxing & addicting to look at. They also have a food/souvenir shop that showcase the beautiful color of the Pond. Enjoyed our time here.
