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Shirogane Blue Pond: A Hokkaido Mystical Wonder

Discover the mystical Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido: a stunning, human-made marvel with ethereal blue waters and captivating scenery.

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The Shirogane Blue Pond, located near Biei, Hokkaido, is an artificial pond renowned for its surreal blue waters. Created accidentally after the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, it's become a popular destination, offering ethereal beauty throughout the year. The pond's mystical look is enhanced by the withered trees rising from the water, creating a captivating scene.

A brief summary to Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)

Local tips

  • Visit during different seasons to experience the pond's varying colors and the surrounding landscape.
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Shirahige Falls and Shirogane Onsen.
  • Check the weather forecast, as sunlight enhances the pond's blue color.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the paths surrounding the pond.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From JR Biei Station, take the Dohoku Bus bound for Shirogane Onsen. Get off at the Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi bus stop; the ride takes about 20 minutes. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the pond. The bus fare is approximately ¥800 one way. Be mindful of the limited bus schedule, with only a few round trips per day.

  • Car

    The Shirogane Blue Pond is located off Prefectural Road 966, connecting Biei to Tokachidake Onsen. From Biei, it's about a 20-minute drive. A paid parking lot is available near the pond. Parking costs ¥500 for cars. From the parking lot, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the pond.

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Discover more about Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)

Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) is a captivating destination in Biei, Hokkaido, known for its mesmerizing blue hue. This artificial pond was unintentionally created in the aftermath of the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi. As part of an erosion control system, a dam was built on the Biei River to prevent volcanic mudflows from reaching the town. The pond's distinctive blue color is attributed to the presence of colloidal aluminum hydroxide in the water, which reflects sunlight in a unique way. The color can vary with the seasons and weather, ranging from a milky light blue to a deep turquoise. Submerged Japanese larch and silver birch trees add to the pond's mystical atmosphere, their withered appearance a stark contrast to the vibrant blue water. The pond is accessible year-round, with different seasonal attractions. In the winter, the frozen pond is covered in snow and illuminated at night, creating a magical, silvery-white wonderland. A walking path around the pond allows visitors to admire the scenery. The inner path offers the best views of the pond, while the outer path is wider and more accessible. Nearby attractions include Shirahige Falls, which contributes to the pond's unique water composition, and the Shirogane Onsen hot spring area.

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