Biei Blue Pond, Hokkaido

Origin and characteristics of Biei Blue Pond

The history of Biei Blue Pond is intimately linked to the volcanic activity of the region. Artificially created in the late 1980s, it is the result of an erosion control system put in place following the eruption of Mount Tokachi. The aim was to protect the towns of Biei and Shirogane Onsen from potential mudflows.

The extraordinary color of the water is not due to the simple reflection of the sky, but to a complex natural phenomenon. It's due to the presence of colloidal aluminium hydroxide in the water, from the nearby Shirahige waterfalls. As the water flows over the cliffs, it carries away the aluminum present in the walls. In addition, other minerals such as sulfide contribute to whitening the stones at the bottom of the pond, accentuating the color effect.

The pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, adding to its charm. Larch and birch trees, some of which died when the pond was formed, stand like skeletons in the middle of the water, creating a surreal, poetic atmosphere.

The magic of the pond's changing colors

One of the most fascinating features of the Biei Blue Pond is its ability to change color. Like an aquatic chameleon, it offers visitors an ever-changing spectacle. These chromatic variations depend on several factors:

Luminosity plays a crucial role. Depending on the angle of the sun and cloud cover, the water can take on hues ranging from cobalt blue to emerald green to brilliant turquoise. The seasons also influence pond color. Spring and early summer generally see the most intense shades of turquoise blue. On the other hand, when the snow melts or after heavy rains, the influx of non-aluminized water can give the pond a more emerald hue.

This palette of changing colors makes every visit a unique experience. Amateur and professional photographers alike find it an inexhaustible source of inspiration, seeking to capture the magic of these waters of a thousand reflections.

When to visit Biei Blue Pond?

Every season offers a different experience at Biei Blue Pond, but certain periods are particularly good for visiting. Summer remains the ideal season for observing the pond's most intense colors. From mid-May to the end of June, the turquoise blue hues are usually at their peak. However, this is also the period when tourist numbers are highest.

For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, spring and autumn offer interesting alternatives. In spring, melting snow can give the water unique hues, while autumn adorns the pond's surroundings with flamboyant colors.

Since 2015, the pond has also been accessible in winter, offering a fairytale spectacle when illuminated at night. The illuminations take place from November to the end of February, from 5pm to 9pm, transforming the pond into a glittering jewel in the heart of the winter night.

How to get to the Biei Blue Pond

Access to Biei Blue Pond is relatively easy, although its location in the middle of nature requires a little organization. Here are the main options for getting there:

By car: This is the easiest and most flexible way. The pond is located along Prefectural Road 966, which links the town of Biei to Tokachidake Onsen. Free parking is available nearby, and the pond can be reached after a short 5-10 minute walk through the forest.

By bus: For those who prefer public transport, there's a bus service from Biei station to Shirogane Onsen. Get off at the Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi stop. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs 550 yen. Please note that there are only five round trips per day, so it's important to plan ahead.

For those coming from further afield, you can take the train to JR Asahikawa station, then catch the Dohoku bus to Shirogane Onsen. The journey from Asahikawa takes just over an hour.

Attractions and activities around the Blue Pond

The Biei Blue Pond is not the only wonder of the region. The surrounding area is full of natural and cultural attractions well worth a visit:

Shirahige Waterfalls: Located around 2.5 kilometers from the pond, these waterfalls are the source of Aoi Ike's unique color. They offer an impressive spectacle, with whitish water gushing out of volcanic rock fissures before taking on a bluish hue in the basin below.

Shirogane Onsen: This spa village is the ideal place to relax after a day's exploring. Its hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic virtues, particularly for relieving stomach, skin and neuralgia problems.

For photography enthusiasts, the Takushinkan gallery exhibits the work of Shinzo Maeda, the photographer who helped make Biei's beauty known the world over.

Finally, don't miss the region's famous scenic roads: Patchwork Road and Panorama Road. These routes offer spectacular views of the rolling hills and colorful fields for which Biei is famous.

Biei Blue Pond: a natural phenomenon made famous

In just a few decades, the Biei Blue Pond has gone from local curiosity to world-famous attraction. This notoriety owes much to photography and the media. In 2012, Apple chose an image of the pond as the wallpaper for its OS X Mountain Lion operating system, propelling this natural site onto the international stage.

Despite its growing popularity, the Blue Pond retains an aura of mystery and spirituality. For many visitors, it's a place of contemplation and connection with nature. The presence of dead trees in the middle of the water, relics of a bygone era, adds to the mystical atmosphere of the place.

The Blue Pond has also become a symbol of Hokkaido's natural beauty. It perfectly illustrates the diversity of the landscape on this island in northern Japan, with its volcanic mountains, lush forests and stretches of water of unreal colors.

Practical tips for your visit to Biei Blue Pond

To make the most of your visit to Biei Blue Pond, here are a few practical tips:

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially in summer. Early morning often offers the best light for photography.
• Bring comfortable shoes for the walk from the parking lot to the pond.
• In winter, be sure to bring warm, non-slip footwear, as the paths can be slippery.
• For a more complete experience, consider renting a car and exploring the island of Hokkaido on your own. This will allow you to visit the Blue Pond and surrounding attractions at your own pace.
• Don't forget your camera to capture the magic of the place, but also take the time to simply contemplate and soak up the unique atmosphere.

The Biei Blue Pond is much more than just a natural curiosity. It's a place where nature reveals all its magic, offering visitors a unique visual and sensory experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, nature lover or simply in search of beauty, a visit to Aoi Ike is sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory. So, are you ready to discover this hidden gem of Biei?