Hokkaido’s Fabulous Scenery! Blue X White: The Unique Beauty of Biei’s Blue Pond in the Winter Months
Become captivated by the frosty mid-winter landscape of Biei’s Blue Pond
Depending on the time of day, season and the viewer’s position, the Blue Pond, with countless Japanese larch and white birch trees reflected on the water’s surface, displays a variety of colours, from colbalt blue to emerald green.

The winter light-up event at the Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall offer visitors the chance to fully enjoy this unique, frosty landscape. The illuminations begin from the 1st of November.
When lit-up after-dark, the Blue Pond and the Shirahige Waterfalls present an entirely different atmosphere to that of the day-time!
The Blue Pond illuminations feature a whole story, told within 10 minutes, presented through a series of lights and patterns. You are sure to encounter the perfect photographic moment!
After braving the cool night air, why not warm up with a dip in the Biei Shirogane Hot Springs?
The Blue Bridge, accessible from the Onsen Town of Shirogane, offers the best vantage point for viewing the illuminations at the Shirahige Waterfalls.
- Light-up Period:
The Blue Pond: 1st November 2019(Fri.)~30th April 2020 (Thu)
Shirahige Waterfalls: Permanent display
- Light-up times:
1st November (Fri)~31st December (Tue) 17:00~21:00
1st January (Wed)~29th February (Sat) 17:30~21:00
1st March (Mon)~ 31st March (Tue) 18:00~21:00
1st April (Wed)~30th April (Thu) 18:00~21:00
In order to visit the Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfalls, booking a place on the “Biei View Bus” is highly recommended!
Apart from the Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfalls, the “Blue Pond Course” also includes a stop at “Shin-ei-no-Oka View Park”, known for it’s 360 degree panoramic views. The “Light-up Course” offers a night tour of the Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfalls; the perfect opportunity to experience winter in Biei!
☆Blue Pond Course
Period of Operation: 2nd February November 2019~30th November 2019 (Only Saturday, Sunday and National holidays)
Departure time: 16:30 (duration is 2 hours 35 mins approx.)
Meeting Point: bus tour desk in Shikino Jouhoukan
Route: Shikino Jouhoukan (13:15 departure)⇒Shirogane Blue Pond (approx. 30 mins)⇒Shirahige Waterfalls (approx. 15 mins)⇒ Shikino Jouhoukan (16:00 arrival)
Tour Fee: Adult: 2,700 yen, Child: 1,000 yen, Child (under 5): free (Same as the child fee if a seat is required)
☆Light-up Course
Period of Operation: 1st December 2019 (Sun)~22nd March 2020 (Sun) (Saturdays. Sundays and public holidays)
(runs daily from the 23rd ~25th December, and 10th ~14th February)
* No operation 30th December~10th January
Departure time: 14:30 (Dec, Jan), 16:50 (Feb, Mar)
Course:
(December, January)
Shikino Jouhoukan (16:30 departure)⇒viewing spot (varies according to season, weather conditions)⇒Shirahige Waterfalls (viewing)⇒Shirogane Blue Pond (viewing)⇒Shikino Jouhoukan (18:40)
(February, March)
Shikino Jouhoukan (16:50 departure)⇒viewing spot (varies according to season, weather conditions)⇒Shirahige Waterfalls (viewing)⇒ Shirogane Blue Pond (viewing)⇒Shikino Jouhoukan (19:05)
Tour Fee: Adult: 2,700 yen, Child: 1,000 yen, Child (under 5): free (Same as the child fee if a seat is required)
How to buy/book tickets
- Tickets are available to purchase at the Shikino Jouhoukan Information Centre up to the day before departure. As tickets are sold on a first-come-first served basis, tickets will become unavailable once capacity is reached.
- It is possible to book tickets online in advance.
Online Ticket Sales
Blue Pond course
https://jitabi.ne.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=1246
Light-up course
https://jitabi.ne.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=1266
Time stops in a winter wonderland immersed in silence