The Blue Pond (Aoiike), near Biei in central Hokkaido, is one of the region’s most famous and photogenic natural wonders — a small pond whose water glows an unearthly, vivid blue. The striking colour is caused by naturally occurring minerals (including aluminium hydroxide) in the water, which scatter light to create the surreal turquoise-blue hue, its exact shade shifting with the light, weather and season. Adding to the otherworldly atmosphere are the bare, silvery trunks of dead larch and birch trees standing eerily in the water, the result of the pond’s formation after erosion-control works in the 1980s. A short walking path runs alongside the pond, offering a series of beautiful viewpoints. The pond is especially magical in the soft light of morning, and in winter it’s illuminated at night for a spectacular display. Small but unforgettable, the Blue Pond has become a symbol of Biei’s photogenic landscapes and pairs perfectly with the area’s rolling flower-covered hills.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Biei, central Hokkaido |
| Hours | Always open (winter illumination evenings) |
| Admission | Free (small parking fee) |
| Time needed | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Late spring–autumn; winter lit |
What to See
- The surreal, vivid blue water of the pond.
- Ghostly dead trees rising from the water.
- A walking path with beautiful viewpoints.
- Magical winter night illuminations.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Furano & Biei landscapes .
- Pair with Shikisai-no-oka flower hills nearby.
- Read our Hokkaido overview .
Getting There
- By car: a short drive from Biei town.
- By bus: seasonal buses run from Biei / Asahikawa.
Tips
Come in the soft morning light or on an overcast day for the most vivid blue, as the colour changes with the light and weather. The pond can look different (or murky) after heavy rain, visit in winter for the night illuminations, arrive early to beat tour crowds, and combine it with the Biei and Furano scenery.
