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.
Be Careful of the carpark entry ticket fee. If you enter wrongly your ticket is 1000yen instead of 300yen. Remember to exchange at the entrance before paying.
It’s a nice sight but full of tourist and probably 15mins will be enough. It’s very small, suggest you turn left, then walk all the way back towards right and end back at carpark.
Proceed driving further up to waterfall.
Shirogane Blue Pond is famous for its unique turquoise blue water and peaceful atmosphere. The standing dead trees in the pond create a distinctive and photogenic view that changes with the seasons.
It’s conveniently located and very close to the main area, making it easy to visit. The walking paths are well maintained and perfect for taking photos. A worthwhile stop when visiting Biei. 💙
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.
Small pond in Biei, Hokkaido with that crazy bright blue water and trees popping out. It’s a man-made happy accident from a 1988 dam built to stop volcanic mudflows — water pooled up and nature did the rest with minerals for the color. Super photogenic spot, but kinda disappointing once you learn it’s not fully natural.
• Crowds: Packed with tourists going in and out, buses everywhere. Gets busy.
• The Blue: Hypnotic bottle-blue color — almost too perfect, and yeah, the pond itself is man-made.
• Photos: Selfies galore, you gotta fight a bit for a clean shot.
• The Visit: Just a big pond. Get in, look around, grab blue ice cream if you want, and bounce in 15-20 mins.
• Overall: Decent quick stop when you’re in the area.
