Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Attraction
4.3 (25560 reviews)
Reachable by a short hike, this manmade pond draws nature lovers for its blue hue & tranquility.
Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
+81 166-92-4321
Did You Know?
Mysterious Blue Hue
The pond's striking blue color is attributed to naturally occurring aluminum hydroxide particles suspended in the water, which reflect blue light from the sun.
Man-Made Wonder
Unlike natural lakes, the Blue Pond is an artificial creation, formed as part of an erosion control system designed to protect the nearby town of Biei from volcanic mudflows from Mount Tokachi.
Global Recognition
The pond gained significant international fame when a photograph of it was chosen by Apple as one of the default desktop wallpapers for its macOS operating system (OS X Mountain Lion).
Ghostly Trees
The pond is characterized by the eerie, skeletal remains of Japanese larch and white birch trees that stand submerged in its blue waters, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
Highlights from Reviews
• stunning blue water
The pond's unique and vibrant blue, turquoise, or jade-like water, caused by natural minerals, is consistently described as mesmerizing and beautiful.
• picturesque scenery
The combination of the blue water, standing dead trees, and surrounding nature creates a dreamlike, artistic, and highly photogenic landscape.
• peaceful atmosphere
Despite potential crowds, many reviewers found the overall environment to be calm, serene, and perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying nature.
• well-maintained paths
The walking paths around the pond are well-kept and easy to navigate, making for a pleasant and accessible stroll.
• unique local treats
The availability of blue pond-inspired soft-serve ice cream and other blue-themed snacks adds a fun and memorable local touch to the visit.