Travel Hokkaido – Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond (青い池, Aoiike) is a man-made pond and a beautiful attraction located in Biei, about a 2.5hr drive from Sapporo.  After the eruption of Mount Tokachi, this pond was created in order to protect Biei from volcanic mudflows.  Due to the chemicals introduced, the water of the blue pond has become this beautiful mysterious blue color.

What some people don’t know is that the color of the blue water varies depending on the season, the weather and just the time of day.  It’s actually very difficult to recommend just one single season that you should come and see this pond in, as every season brings a different beauty to the table.  During summer it is bright and warm, autumn it is cooler but the blue contrasts with the yellow & red leaves are stunning, winter it looks like a crystalised wonderland (especially at night during the winter illuminations), and in spring it is much still like a wonderland but the temperatures are more bearable.  What I can tell you though is that the water is best in the morning on a clear and sunny day.

The parking lot and walking paths at the pond have been recently renovated, making it a lot easier for visitors to access.  The pond and entrance way don’t seem to particularly stand out when driving along the road, so you’ll have to rely on the signage to lead you to the parking lot entrance.  Once you’ve spotted the sign, if coming from the Furano side you’ll be taking a left turn in to the lot.  Once parked, make your way up to the pond using one of the paths from the lot.

There are 2 paths at the pond, one that is right along the waters edge (pink), in and amongst the trees, and one on the outer skirts (purple).  The first one is where you’ll find the best views of the pond itself and where you can really explore the length of the pond up close.  This is also where people like to take their photos and spend most of their time when visiting this attraction.  It is rather narrow and uneven, but because of the barriers along the side it makes it a safe walking space.

The second path also stretches the same distance as the inner path, and although it is raised a tad higher here you do not get the same clear view of the pond because of the trees blocking the path.  This outer path is much wider and therefore a lot easier if you have prams or wheelchairs.  This path has no trees over top, making it great to walk along during the colder seasons when you’d like to warm up a tad.  You’ll also find vending machines, a toilet and small cafe for buying local foods such as yummy Furano soft-serve.

From Sapporo station

By car, the fastest route is a 2.5hr drive through Ebetsu & Furano (note: this is a toll road route).  Check out one of our Biei tours that run here daily through every season.

From Biei station

Take the bus heading to Shirogane Onsen and get off at the Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi (白金青い池入口) bus stop ¥550 one-way.  This is about a 20min ride.

If you’d like to make the most of your trip to Biei Blue Pond then check out these other nearby attractions:

• Tomita Farm (location)
• Shirahige Falls (location)
• Shikisai no Oka (location)
• Tokachidake Observatory (location)
• Mild Seven Hills
• Trick Art Museum