Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond is a man-made pond located in Shirogane, Biei Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido. Names like "Aoi Ike," "Shirogane no Aoi Ike," and "Biei Shirogane Aoi Ike" are all common nicknames. Although it looks like a mysterious blue lake, geographically it is more like a pool of standing water. It formed when a dam (sabo embankment) was built for disaster prevention and water began to accumulate; the water appears blue due to natural conditions, and combined with the dead, standing larch trees, it creates a fantastical atmosphere. One explanation is that components from the upstream Biei River and substances including aluminum from the nearby Shirahige Falls mix and make the surface appear blue, and then lime-related minerals settle and further enhance the color. The blue tone changes depending on season and weather, but early summer is often recommended for seeing a vivid cobalt-blue color. It is also popular in winter when it is lit up, creating an even more dreamlike scene. Access is about 20 minutes from JR Biei Station by Dohoku Bus, or by taxi. It draws large numbers of visitors not only from Japan but also from overseas.