Shirogane Blue Pond: Detailed Explanation of History and Overview

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Shirogane Blue Pond
2. History of Shirogane Blue Pond
3. Shirogane Blue Pond through the Seasons
   

Introduction

Shirogane Blue Pond, located in Biei Town, Hokkaido, is an enchanting tourist attraction. As the name suggests, the pond features a stunning cobalt blue surface, creating an unforgettable scenery with its standing dead trees.

This pond is a popular spot that attracts many visitors from both inside and outside Japan. Its charm lies in the fact that the landscape changes with each season. The fresh green of spring, the vibrant blue under the strong summer sun, the autumn foliage, and the magical sight of the pond covered in snow and ice during winter offer new discoveries and inspirations each time one visits. In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the overview, history, and seasonal beauty of Shirogane Blue Pond.

1. Overview of Shirogane Blue Pond 

Shirogane Blue Pond, located in Biei Town, Hokkaido, is a natural tourist attraction. This artificial lake was formed as a result of a dam built to prevent volcanic mudflows following the eruption of Mount Tokachi in 1988. The water appears blue because the aluminum-rich water from Shirogane Onsen mixes with the river water of the Biei River, reflecting sunlight in a way that creates the blue color.

The pond's most captivating feature is its translucent cobalt blue surface, coupled with the standing dead trees that create an ethereal landscape. The existence of this pond spread primarily by word of mouth among photographers, and it has now become a popular spot attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.​

Around the pond, there is a roughly 300-meter-long walking trail. The colors and scenery of the pond change with the seasons and the time of day, offering new discoveries each time you visit. Particularly during the early morning and late afternoon, when the lighting conditions are optimal, you can capture especially beautiful photos. One of the characteristic features of the pond is the standing dead trees within it, which were submerged and subsequently died after the pond was formed. The larch trees, in particular, standing amidst the blue water, create a fantastical atmosphere.

Access to the pond is convenient, with a bus ride of about 20 minutes from JR Biei Station or by car, with ample parking available. Additionally, during the winter season, the pond is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the magical nighttime scenery.

2. History of Shirogane Blue Pond 

The history of Byodoin Temple begins with its founding by Fujiwara no Yorimichi and has been preserved through many eras, maintaining its beauty and cultural value to this day. Below is a detailed explanation of its history.

■ Mount Tokachi Eruption and the Birth of the Pond

In 1988, following the eruption of Mount Tokachi, a concrete dam was constructed to prevent mudflow damage. This dam blocked the waters of the Biei River, inadvertently creating what is now known as Shirogane Blue Pond. Originally, this area was a riverbed, and the pond formed by the dam later appeared blue due to the water flowing in from the surrounding Biei River and hot springs.

■ Global Recognition

In July 2012, a photograph of Shirogane Blue Pond was selected as a wallpaper for Apple's OS X Mountain Lion. This wallpaper was one of the 15 official wallpapers for OS X Mountain Lion, bringing the stunning blue landscape to the attention of Mac users worldwide. The wallpaper was also used in iOS 7 and iOS 8, further increasing the pond's recognition globally.

■ Typhoon Damage and Restoration

On August 23, 2016, Typhoon No. 9 brought heavy rain to Hokkaido, affecting Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei Town. The heavy rain caused a large amount of sediment to flow into the pond, turning the usually beautiful blue water a muddy brown. Additionally, the typhoon not only affected the water quality but also caused the collapse of the surrounding banks of the Biei River.

Due to these conditions, the area around the pond became unsafe, and visitor access was temporarily prohibited. Subsequent emergency repairs included restoring the collapsed banks and removing the sediment that had flowed into the pond. As a result, the restriction on visitor access was lifted on September 14, 2016, allowing tourists to visit the pond once again.

3. Shirogane Blue Pond through the Seasons 

Shirogane Blue Pond offers different beautiful landscapes with each season, providing new charms no matter when you visit. Enjoy the unique highlights of each period when you encounter them.

■ Spring

In spring, Shirogane Blue Pond is freed from the winter cold, and the melting snow increases the water volume, displaying an emerald green hue. During this time, as the surrounding trees begin to sprout new leaves, the contrast between the soft green and blue creates a stunning landscape. From April to May, after the snow has melted, the water becomes exceptionally clear, beautifully reflecting the surrounding scenery on its surface.​

■ Summer

Summer is when Shirogane Blue Pond shines the brightest blue. The strong sunlight illuminates the water surface, making the cobalt blue color even more vibrant. This season often brings clear skies, creating a magnificent contrast with the blue pond. Although summer is a peak tourist season with many visitors, the early morning and evening hours offer a quieter experience.

■ Autumn

In autumn, the surrounding larch and birch trees turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue of the pond. The best time to see the autumn leaves is from early to late October, making this period particularly popular. The combination of the autumn foliage and the blue pond is perfect for photography.

■ Winter

In winter, Shirogane Blue Pond is characterized by a magical landscape covered in snow and ice. From November to April, the pond is illuminated, creating an enchanting night view with the snowy scenery and blue pond. The combination of the starry sky and the illumination provides a breathtaking experience. Although the pond's surface is mostly frozen during the coldest months, preventing the blue color from being visible, the world of ice and snow is a charm in itself.

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 Conclusion 

Shirogane Blue Pond is a natural scenic spot that Biei Town, Hokkaido, takes pride in. Its beauty attracts many visitors throughout the year. This pond was created by chance due to the construction of a dam following the eruption of Mount Tokachi in 1988. It offers a unique landscape that results from the interplay of nature and human activity.

Since the pond reveals a different aspect every time you visit, you can discover new charms each time. We hope this article has conveyed some of its appeal to you. Please do visit and enjoy the beautiful scenery with your own eyes.