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Hokkaido’s Fabulous Scenery! Blue X White: The Unique Beauty of Biei’s Blue Pond in the Winter Months

This is so Hokkaido!

2019.11.20

Hokkaido’s Fabulous Scenery! Blue X White: The Unique Beauty of Biei’s Blue Pond in the Winter Months

Biei, with its attractive landscape of gently sloping hills, becomes a beautiful snowscape in the winter months.

In the summer months, Biei’s Blue Pond becomes a popular view spot; the greenery of the surrounding trees and the Japanese larches are reflected on the water’s surface, creating a mysterious effect which mesmerizes visitors. In winter too, the Blue Pond presents a stunningly beautiful landscape. From the stark contrast of blues and whites visible towards the start of winter, to the sight of snow falling upon the frozen surface of the lake in mid-winter; the Blue Pond offers spectacular views throughout the entire winter season!

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.

But why is the surface of the pond blue?

It is said that the reason for this is that aluminum from the Shirogane hot springs mixes with the water of Biei river, causing the water to appear blue in the sunlight. The Blue Pond lit up by the dazzling summer sun is surely a sight to behold! That being said, the winter landscape features a mysterious beauty all of its own, as patches of glistening blue ice shine through the blanket of snow which coats the pond’s frozen surface.

Enjoy visiting Shirogane’s Blue Pond during the winter light-up! ♪

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 1^st 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?

白ひげの滝

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: 1^st November 2019(Fri.)~30^th April 2020 (Thu)

Shirahige Waterfalls: Permanent display

Light-up times:

1^st November (Fri)～31^st December (Tue) 17:00~21:00

1^st January (Wed)~29^th February (Sat) 17:30~21:00

1^st March (Mon)~ 31^st March (Tue) 18:00~21:00

1^st April (Wed)~30^th 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: 2^nd February November 2019~30^th 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: 1^st December 2019 (Sun)~22^nd March 2020 (Sun) (Saturdays. Sundays and public holidays)

(runs daily from the 23^rd ~25^th December, and 10^th ~14^th February)

* No operation 30^th December~10^th 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

Apart from the Blue Pond, a visit to Biei’s snow-covered fields is a must!

In the run-up to winter, snow falls on the expansive fields of Biei, and the landscape soon becomes a wonderful snowscape. You will surely feel the healing effect of nature as you gaze upon this picturesque scene!

In the right conditions, it is possible to see a “sun pillar”; a phenomenon which occurs when“diamond dust”-ice crystals floating in the air- reflect the sunlight at just the right angle.

For more information regarding the Biei area, please check out the official Biei Tourism Association website! https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/