The Blue Pond, also known as “Shirogane Blue Pond” or “Biei Shirogane Blue Pond,” in Japanese is “白金青い池”
Is an artificial pond located in Shirogane, Biei Town, Hokkaido, Japan.
Initially, it was created to prevent volcanic mudflows from the debris of Mount Tokachi eruptions.
Several dams were constructed along the Biei River, and the Blue Pond is one of the ponds formed by these dams.
The surface of the pond exhibits an incredible blue color, creating a dreamy landscape with the withered larch trees.
Since then, regardless of summer or winter, it has become a popular attraction in the Biei area of Hokkaido.
I once wanted to visit in 2009.
However, I was on a motorcycle trip, and after rushing through the Patchwork Road and running out of time, I couldn’t make it.
This time, I drove myself, but I almost couldn’t locate it using the car navigation system.
Its location is on the way to Shirogane Onsen, but not quite there yet. Perhaps it wasn’t a well-known spot back then.
It seems like it was intentionally left undeveloped.
The road is still gravel, and there are no shops nearby, but there are quite a few tourists.
After parking, you need to walk a short distance to reach the Blue Pond.
This path is built along the Blue Pond.
The entire trail is less than 200 meters, but it takes about 30 minutes to walk.
Because with every step, you’ll stop to take photos of the Blue Pond from different angles~XD
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary pond, almost as if it were polluted.
Then you see the true face of the Blue Pond~
At the end of the path is the Biei River.
The Biei River is also a light blue color.
That’s the situation at the Blue Pond in Biei~
I highly recommend anyone visiting Biei not to miss this beautiful spot~
However, be aware that in winter, if the snow is too thick, the area may be closed off.
Blue Pond Transportation Methods
Driving
Mapcode：349 569 818*77
(This map code is based on information from Yahoo Japan and is for reference only. Please follow the actual conditions when navigating)
Location: Shirogane, Biei Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Route 966 (left side towards Shirogane Onsen), with few signs along the way (There is now a paid parking lot)
Bus
During the summer, Biei and Furano offer limited-time buses like the “Biei Tour Bus,” which stops at the Blue Pond for 30 minutes.
Since the bus schedule may change annually, please refer to: Biei and Furano Summer Bus Schedule.
For general public transportation, according to the current timetable on the Dohoku Bus website (click here to view), there are three bus routes (39, 40, 42) from Biei to Shirogane Onsen, currently, only two buses (39, 42) stop at Shirogane Blue Pond Station, while route 40 does not.
Below are the weekday and weekend/holiday timetables (same every day)
『Original Source：https://nicklee.tw/1302/』
