Here are the key features of Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) in Biei, Hokkaido — one of Japan’s most surreal-looking natural spots.Main Features of Shirogane Blue Pond
1. Striking Blue Color
The pond’s water appears bright blue or turquoise.The color comes from natural aluminum particles flowing from nearby Shirogane hot springs.The water reflects sunlight in a way that enhances the blue tone — the color can change depending on season, weather, and time of day.
2. Standing Larch and Birch Trees
Dead Japanese larch and birch trees rise above the water.These trees were left standing after a flood-control dam was built.They create a haunting, surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.
3. Man-made but Naturally Beautiful
The pond was formed as part of erosion control after Mt. Tokachi’s volcanic activity.Although artificial, natural minerals transformed it into a scenic attraction.
4. Color Changes Through Seasons
Summer: Bright sky-blue to deep turquoise.Autumn: Bluer water with golden leaves around it.Winter: Often frozen, snowy, calm, and very photogenic.Spring melt: More milky blue due to increased mineral content.
5. Reflective Surface
On calm days, the pond’s surface becomes a mirror reflecting:blue.skytrees.clouds.This creates the famous “fantasy” photographs.
6. Close to Other Scenic Spots
Near Shirogane Onsen, Shirahige Waterfall, and the picturesque fields of Biei.Ideal for scenic driving or cycling routes.
7. Accessibility & Facilities
Free admission.Large parking area.Short, easy walking path around the pond.Light-up events sometimes held in winter.
shirogane blue pond to shirahige waterfall
Google Maps is very useful. Please try using it from the link below.
https://www.google.co.jp/maps/
The destination is Shirokane Blue Pond. Enter the starting point and Google Maps will appear.
shirogane blue pond parking
Parking – what you need to know
There is an official paid parking lot for Blue Pond.
Capacity: ~ 220–270 cars + space for buses.
Fees (as of most recent info):Normal car: 500 yen
Motorbike (or small two-wheel): 100 yen
Large vehicle / bus (≥ ~6 m): 2,000 yen
Parking lot hours:
May–October: 7:00 – 19:00
November–April: 8:00 – 21:30
After parking, the pond is reachable by a short walk (≈ 5–10 minutes) via a forest path from lot.
What to keep in mind
There is no free public parking for visitors — only the official paid lot.
Because Blue Pond is quite popular, during peak seasons (summer, autumn leaves, weekends) the parking lot can fill up quickly.
For winter visits: while the pond area is open and there is winter light-up, road/parking conditions may be impacted by snow, so drive carefully.
shirogane blue pond reviews
Here’s a summary of many recent visitor “reviews / impressions” of Shirogane Blue Pond — what people like about it, and what some find disappointing. Overall it has a strong reputation for beauty — but with trade-offs.
What visitors like！
Many people say the water’s color is “gorgeous,” “surreal,” or “like a painting.” One wrote it was “captivated by its oil-painting-like colors.”
Even on a rainy day, some found the pond atmospheric — the rippled, dark-blue surface had a mysterious beauty.
Visitors often find it very easy and relaxing to walk around — the path is short and gentle, making it suitable for families, couples, and casual travelers.
Tofugu
Many reviewers emphasise that sunny weather dramatically improves the experience — bright light helps the water glow in vibrant turquoise/blue, making photos especially striking.
Tripadvisor
Several wrote that it’s “worth a look” especially if you’re already nearby — as part of a broader Hokkaido itinerary (e.g. visiting nearby waterfalls, fields, hot springs).Common complaints or “downsides”
Crowds and popularity: Because it’s so famous, many people report it gets very crowded, especially in peak seasons. That can make nice photos hard to come by, and spoil the sense of calm.
Tripadvisor
It can look “underwhelming” depending on weather or season: On cloudy or rainy days, or when sunlight is weak, the water may lack vivid color — some felt “Blue Pond?” was less impressive than expected under those conditions.
Very limited “activities” beyond viewing: Many say that besides looking at the pond (and maybe buying souvenirs or the novelty “blue ice-cream”), there’s not much else to do — so if you visit expecting a full sightseeing day, you might feel it’s “just a pond.”
Over-commercialization: Some felt the surrounding shops and “blue souvenirs / blue ice-cream” make the place feel more like a tourist attraction than a natural site — which detracted from the “natural wonder” appeal for them.
Pay parking & basic infrastructure under pressure: One review noted that car parking costs (e.g. ¥500) and that facilities (restrooms, shops) are heavily taxed by visitor load — and sometimes maintenance or restroom availability becomes a concern.
My “Summed-up” Verdict (from Reviews)
If you go on a sunny day, preferably early morning, and with low expectations beyond scenic views, Blue Pond tends to delight: the water color + tree reflections + easy access = a memorable natural/mystical feeling.
But if you expect more — few other attractions, often crowded, variable water color depending on weather — you might find it underwhelming. It’s best treated as a “nice bonus” stop during a broader Hokkaido/Biei road-trip, rather than a full-day destination on its own.
shirogane blue pond best time to visit
Here’s a clear guide to the best time to visit Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike), based on color, scenery, crowds, and weather.
4 Overall Best Time
Late May → Early October(especially June–July and early October)
Because the pond shows its most vivid blue/turquoise color when:sunlight is strong ,water mineral,concentration is stable,no ice or snow is covering the surface,
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (Late April–May) — Good to Very Good
Snow melts, increasing water minerals → milky blue appearance.
Trees start budding → soft, fresh green contrasts with blue.
Not too crowded yet.
Nice for photography, peaceful atmosphere.
Best timing: late May — color becomes clear turquoise.
Summer (June–August) — Best Color
Strong sun creates the brightest blue/turquoise.Morning light gives mirror-like reflection of trees.
Peak tourist season → more crowds.
Autumn (September–October) — Beautiful Contrast
Trees turn yellow, orange, red → dramatic contrast with blue water.
Water is still clear and colorful.
Cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Best timing: early–mid October for fall colors.
One of the most visually stunning periods.
Winter (November–March) — Magical but Not Blue
Pond freezes → white or silver, not blue.
Snow covers the area → dreamy, quiet atmosphere.
Special winter illumination is held (usually Dec–Feb evenings).
Unique snowy scenery
Great for night light-up
Do not expect the famous blue color
Best Time of Day
Morning (7:00–10:00 AM)
Sun angle makes water glow blue
Less wind → smoother reflection
Fewer crowds
Avoid
Midday on cloudy days → color appears dull
Peak holiday hours (10:30–15:00)
Best Weather Conditions
Sunny or partly sunny = most vivid blue
After rain = slightly darker blue but still atmospheric
Cloudy/overcast = water may look grayish or dull blue
shirogane blue pond to shirahige waterfall
shirogane blue pond map code
Here’s the basic location info + “map code” style data for Shirogane Blue Pond.
Coordinates Name: Shirogane Blue Pond (青い池 / 白金青い池)
Latitude / Longitude:43.4864° N, 142.6141° E (approx center of the pond)
You can paste this into:Google Maps search bar: 43.4864, 142.6141
Car navigation systems that accept lat/long.
Address (for GPS / Navi)
Japanese:北海道上川郡美瑛町白金
English:Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
Car Navi “Map Code” (Japan-style)Many Japanese car navi systems use a numeric MAPCODE.
The commonly used mapcodes for Shirogane Blue Pond are:Mapcode example: 349 569 814*22
If your navi doesn’t support the “*xx” detail, try just:349 569 814
Note: Exact digits can vary slightly depending on the specific parking lot vs pond viewpoint, but any of these should get you to the official parking for 青い池.
