Shirogane Blue Pond (Biei)

白金青い池

Shirogane Blue Pond is a pond in the forests of Biei, famous for its bright cobalt-blue water. It formed by chance while a dam was being built to protect the area from volcanic mudflows from Mt. Tokachi. Tiny particles in the water scatter sunlight and make the strong blue color, and pale trunks of dead larch trees stand in the water. The view changes with the seasons, and in some seasons the pond is lit up at night.

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Visitor information

Closed: Open all year, but it may close because of bad weather.
Getting there: About 20 minutes by car from JR Biei Station, or about 40 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Paid parking with 220 spaces.
In certain seasons the pond is lit up at night.

Tips for Muslim visitors

In the main season the area is very crowded from 10:40 to 16:00, and parking can take 30–60 minutes even on weekdays. Morning travel is recommended.
Do not enter areas outside the designated paths, and never step into the pond.
In winter the blue water is covered by snow, so the pond is lit up from sunset until 21:00 instead.
Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Hokkaido and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.