📝 1. Overview
Tucked in the hills of Biei, Blue Pond (Aoiike) is a surreal natural wonder famous for its striking blue hue and hauntingly beautiful tree silhouettes rising from the water. Formed by accident as part of volcanic erosion control, this pond became a global sensation after appearing in Apple’s desktop wallpapers. Its colors change with the season and light, ranging from turquoise to cobalt blue. Calm, quiet, and dreamlike—this place feels like stepping into a painting.
🌟 2. Highlights
💧 Milky Blue Water – Colored by aluminum and natural minerals
🌲 Dead Trees in Water – Create a mystical, otherworldly scene
🍁 Seasonal Color Shifts – Blue contrasts beautifully with spring green, fall red, and white snow
📸 Apple Mac Wallpaper Spot – Famous photography site
❄️ Winter Illumination (Nov–Feb) – Pond lights up with magical LED effects
🚶 Easy Walking Paths – Flat trails around the pond for all ages
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Main platform at the front of the pond
- Side trails with less crowd & tree reflections
- Snowy winter mornings = unreal silence + white-blue contrast
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Late spring to early autumn for clear blue water
- November–February for night illuminations
- Early morning = calmest water, no wind ripples
☁️ Cloudy days = deeper colors; sunny = more turquoise
🚫 No swimming or entering the pond area
🎒 No food stalls—bring snacks if needed
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 Around Blue Pond (Biei Area)
- Biei Senka Roadside Station Café
🍛 Curry rice & local vegetable meals
📍Hokuei, Biei
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚗 10–15 min drive - Lunch & Café Fuu
🍽️ Organic, homemade Hokkaido fare with mountain views
📍Omura, Biei
🕒 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🚗 15 min drive - Biei Farm Restaurant Bi.Ble
🍞 Bakery café & farm-to-table menu in a scenic setting
📍Shirogane, Biei
🕒 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🚗 5 min from Blue Pond
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore Around Blue Pond
💧 Blue Pond Trail
- Main Platform – Most iconic shot
- Side Walkways – Calmer views and fewer tourists
- Winter Light-Up Zone – Only part illuminated at night
🌋 Nearby Nature Spots
- Shirahige Falls – Milky blue river water meets cliffs
- Shirogane Onsen – Quiet hot spring village nearby
- Tokachidake Observatory – Stunning mountain drive views
☕ Café & Rest Zone
- Biei Senka – Local food, ice cream & snacks
- Farm cafés – Taste Furano milk and Hokkaido wheat
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Biei Station
🚗 ~25 min by car
🚌 Local buses available in summer season only
📍 From Asahikawa
🚗 ~50 min drive
🚌 Bus → transfer at Biei
📍 From Farm Tomita (Furano)
🚗 ~40 min via Route 966
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Walking path around pond is ~10–15 minutes
🅿️ Free parking available nearby
🧭 Combine with Shirahige Falls, Shirogane Onsen & Panorama Road