Hokkaido

Blue Pond (Aoiike) [Biei, Hokkaido]

Blue Pond (Aoiike Pond) is a beautifully colored pond in Biei-cho, Hokkaido.

At Blue Pond, the withered larch trees and the snow of Hokkaido combine with the blue of the pond water to create a fantastic landscape. This beautiful natural scenery is internationally famous. In fact, Blue Pond has even been used as wallpaper for Mac computers.

Its hue changes depending on the season and time of day, from almost emerald green to light blue. In particular, just before sunrise, the Blue Pond changes to a pale shade, adding to the mystique of the place.

For sightseeing and photography, it is best to go on a sunny day and not on a day when it rained the day before. Also, don’t miss the winter-only illumination program.

Photos: PIXTA

Highlights

  • The blue hues of the pond and the forest landscape creating a fantastic scene
  • The contrast between the fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snow-covered leaves and the color of the water
  • Withering trees in the cobalt blue

VR View

NameBlue Pond / Aoiike (青い池)
AddressShirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0235
 
Access

Asahikawa(旭川) Airport is the most convenient way to access Biei-cho with direct flights from/to Tokyo Haneda(羽田). From Asahikawa Airport, take a taxi or rental car to Blue Pond (about 40 minutes).

Take a train to Asahikawa(旭川) Station from Sapporo (札幌) Station on the JR Kamui and Lilac Line (limited express),
and then transfer to the Furano line bound for Biei.
From Biei Station, take a taxi or Dohoku(道北) local bus to Blue Pond. It will take a total of 2.5 hours.

Convenient rental car outlets can be found at Shin-Chitose Airport(新千歳) (about 160 kilometers south west)
From Shin-Chitose Airport, Blue Pond is about 2.5 hour’s drive via Furano(富良野).

There is a paid parking lot at Blue Pond.

Hours/ClosedNo closing days
Parking lot hours:
May – October: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
November – April: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
ContactTEL: +81 166-92-4378 (Biei Tourism Association) [Japanese Only]
WebsiteBiei Tourism Association (English)
SNS