Shirogane Blue Pond Revisited 2023 - Hokkaido

During my stay in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) under the JET Programme, one place left an unforgettable impression on me and my family—the stunning Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池). 

Shirogane Blue Pond Revisited 2023

Our first visit was on October 22, 2022, as part of our “October 22-23” Road Trip, marking my 355th day in Japan. The beauty of this magical pond drew us back again on July 23, 2023, during our Sibling Road Trip 2, which was my 629th day in Japan. This serene destination quickly became one of the highlights of our travels, especially with a tasty stop for the famous blue soft cream nearby.

Shirogane Blue Pond - Biei town, Hokkaido Prefecture

What is Shirogane Blue Pond?

Located in the picturesque town of Biei, Hokkaido, the Shirogane Blue Pond, also known as the Biei Blue Pond, is a captivating man-made lake created after the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi. The pond was engineered to protect Biei from volcanic mudflows and quickly became famous for its mesmerizing, vibrant blue waters.

Shirogane Blue Pond Guide Map

The vast parking area near Shirogane Blue Pond

The pond’s striking azure color is attributed to the presence of colloidal aluminum hydroxide suspended in the water. Another fascinating explanation involves mineral-rich waters from nearby tributaries, including sulfur and aluminum commonly found in hot springs, mixing and creating a natural “colloid.” When sunlight hits these particles, it scatters light, especially blue wavelengths, giving the pond its unique and dreamy blue hue. Some also say that the white soil lining the pond’s bottom reflects sunlight, enhancing the pond’s surreal blue shade.

Photos of Shirogane Blue Pond

Nature’s Influence and Seasonal Changes

The Biei Blue Pond is sensitive to environmental changes. For example, after Typhoon Mindulle in August 2016, the pond temporarily turned muddy brown due to sediment from the Biei River, demonstrating its dynamic natural state.

Biei Pond Cafe and Gifts

Blue soft cream

In winter, the pond’s blue surface disappears beneath a blanket of snow, but visitors can still enjoy the pond thanks to the beautiful Shirogane Blue Pond Illumination. This seasonal light-up event highlights its ethereal beauty even during the cold months.

Team Nicerio revisits Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond Fees

Shirogane Blue Pond Parking Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Shirogane Blue Pond grounds. However, if you are planning to visit by private vehicle, you need to pay a parking fee.

Motorcycles – 100 yen

Car – 500 yen

Aside from that, it is highly suggested that you bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs in the souvenir store or try the famed Blue Soft Cream and Blue Pond Soda. 

Shirogane Blue Pond Operating Hours

Although there are no definite operating times. It is suggested that visitors stay within the parking lot usage time.

Parking lot usage time:

May/October - 7 AM to 6 PM

June to September – 7 AM to 7 PM

November to April – 8 AM to 9:30 PM

Shirogane Blue Pond Illumination Schedule

Since the Blue Pond is frozen and covered in snow from late November to April, it is illuminated with blue light from:

November – 5 PM to 9 PM

December – 4:30 PM to 9 PM

January – 5 PM to 9 PM

February – 5:30 PM to 9 PM

March – 6 PM to 9 PM

April - 6:30 PM to 9 PM

The illumination event might be canceled in case of bad weather.

Why Visit Shirogane Blue Pond?

The Blue Pond in Hokkaido is a picture-perfect destination renowned for its surreal blue hues, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the region. Its year-round appeal offers something special in every season: vibrant blue waters in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and magical illuminated snow scenes in winter. Conveniently located near Shirogane Onsen and Shirahige Falls, the area is perfect for a full day of nature exploration. To complete the experience, visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to savor the iconic blue soft cream, a refreshing treat inspired by the pond’s enchanting color.

Getting to Shirogane Blue Pond

The Blue Pond is located next to Prefectural Road 966, which connects central Biei to Tokachidake Onsen via Shirogane Onsen. A parking lot, conveniently situated along the road, charges 500 yen per car and provides easy access to the pond with just a short 5-10 minute walk.

For those using public transportation, buses traveling between Biei Station and Shirogane Onsen stop at Shirogane Aoiike Iriguchi (白金青い池入口) along the route. The trip from Biei Station to the pond takes around 20 minutes one way and costs 550 yen. However, buses run every 2-3 hours. During summer, some sightseeing buses also include the Blue Pond as part of their itinerary.

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