Blue Pond, Biei
白金青い池 · Biei, Hokkaido
Cobalt-blue water and dead trees: a dreamscape chosen as a Mac wallpaper
Know before you go
- Taboos: walking through farmland for photos (much of the land around the pond is private farmland), and occupying parking spaces for long.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Why it’s popular
The 'Blue Pond' at Shirogane Onsen became famous overnight when Apple chose a photo of it as a Mac OS wallpaper, and the image of dead larches standing in cobalt-blue water is a 'must-see Hokkaido' on Instagram and Xiaohongshu. From July 2026 parking rose to JPY 1,000 for ordinary cars (to tackle overtourism of more than 1.1 million visitors a year), and the winter 'Blue Pond light show' is just as popular.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Blue Pond was originally created by a dam built to prevent mudflows after the 1988 eruption of Tokachi-dake — a landscape that is a 'blessing in disguise'; Biei is the 'town of hills', and its patchwork farmland and the Blue Pond together make up Hokkaido's pastoral poetry.
Local customs
- On the pondside trail, don't climb the fence or go into the water
- in winter paths are extremely slippery, so use the cleared walkways
- don't throw stones or disturb the waterbirds.
Religion & beliefs
None. Ainu culture regards nature as divine (kamuy) — reverence is enough.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
Taboos: walking through farmland for photos (much of the land around the pond is private farmland), and occupying parking spaces for long.
Locals appreciate DO
Biei residents appreciate visitors who 'come off-peak (early morning or evening)'
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The water is bluest May–October (midday light is best); in winter (November–April) there's a light show but the pond is frozen |
|---|---|
| Getting there | From Asahikawa Station take the JR Furano Line to Biei Station and change to a bus, or drive |
Travel tips
- The water is bluest May–October (midday light is best)
- in winter (November–April) there's a light show but the pond is frozen
- access: from Asahikawa Station take the JR Furano Line to Biei Station and change to a bus, or drive
- combine with Shikisai-no-Oka and the Christmas Tree for a day trip
- parking is JPY 1,000 per visit.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Biei curry udon / soup curry
- Biei milk / soft-serve
- Corn / potato farm snacks
Biei curry udon / soup curry, Biei milk / soft-serve, corn / potato farm snacks, 'Blue Pond'-coloured sodas / desserts (creative offerings at nearby shops), Asahikawa ramen (nearby)
| Where to eat | The shop at the Blue Pond car park (seasonal), restaurants in front of Biei Station / around the 'town of hills', the 'Oka no Kura' roadside station |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | No eating or drinking on the Blue Pond boardwalk, don't cross the railings; all farmland is off-limits (take photos from the roadside) |
| Typical price per person | JPY 1,500–2,800 ≈ CNY 68–126 |
| Tips | The shop closes in winter, so bring hot drinks; Biei milk with bread from the bakery by the station is the most local combination. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
ノボホショコロトソ · CC BY 4.0
Photos
Photos
MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0
LR0725 · CC BY-SA 4.0
LR0725 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
- In-depth research on Japanese sights (2026-10-15). Sources: HTB Hokkaido News
- Biei town car-park regulations.
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