The Shirogane Blue Pond: Japan’s Stunning Sapphire Pond
Biei, Japan is home to a stunning sapphire blue pond dotted with skeletal dead birch trees that looks as though it is the domain of an immortal fairy godmother who will happily grant you a series of wishes now that you have reached her enchanted domain. Shirogane’s Blue Pond was created in the wake of a 1988 volcanic eruption. The Biei River was diverted to prevent Mount Tokachi’s potentially destructive mudflows from reaching nearby towns. The Blue Pond’s vibrant color is the result of mineral deposits. Much like the luminous mineral pools of Yellowstone, swimming is strictly off limits in the Blue Pond because its waters are toxic to human beings. Chances are you will be so mesmerized by the Blue Pond’s surreal turquoise waters—diving in and taking a swim will seem sacrilegious. The Blue Pond is known to display many different rich shades of blue, depending on the season.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Shirogane Blue Pond, Biei, Hokkaido, Japan
- Coordinates
- 43.49352, 142.61427
- Access
- The Biei Tourism Association says the pond is about 20 minutes by car or route bus from Biei; buses serve it from JR Biei and Asahikawa stations. The signed walk from the car park or bus stop is about five minutes. Stay on designated visitor paths: the association warns that other areas are dangerous and specifically says not to enter the pond. Check the revised Route 39/42 bus timetable effective October 1, 2026.
- Admission
- No separate pond-entry ticket is listed by the tourism association; the adjacent car park is paid. Biei Town’s rate change effective July 1, 2026 is ¥300 per motorcycle, ¥1,000 per vehicle under 6 m, and ¥6,000 per vehicle 6 m or longer. Some local residents and businesses are exempt. Confirm current parking rules on the town page.
- Time needed
- The Biei Tourism Association’s 2026 sightseeing bus allocates about 30 minutes at the pond; its note says the walk from parking to the spot is about five minutes. Use this as a sample stop allowance, not a required limit; allow longer for queues, photos or seasonal illumination.
- Best season
- The pond’s color changes with light, weather and season: spring can look green-blue, while summer and autumn add foliage contrast; snow may cover the blue water in winter. Biei’s 2026–27 illumination runs Oct 22–Apr 21, with monthly hours posted by the tourism association. Check weather cancellations and do not enter the pond.
- Opening hours
- The pond is listed as open year-round, though weather can force closure. The adjacent car park is open 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. May–October and 8:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m. November–April. The 2026–27 illumination runs October 22–April 21: 5:00–9:00 p.m. Oct–Nov; 4:30–9:00 p.m. Dec; 5:00–9:00 p.m. Jan; 5:30–9:00 p.m. Feb; 6:00–9:00 p.m. Mar; 6:30–9:00 p.m. Apr. Weather may cancel it.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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