Aoiike

When you come to the Blue Pond, first and foremost, enjoy the stunning view created by the "Blue Pond," which is the main attraction and the origin of its name. After a 5-minute walk on a forest road from the parking lot, you can see the bright blue pond that is often seen in guidebooks and other media. We recommend visiting during a clear, windless morning. The lake surface is clear, allowing you to enjoy an even more beautiful view. Also, the standing dead larch trees growing around the pond are an essential presence that creates a fantastic atmosphere. Don't forget to appreciate them.

The Blue Pond is often associated with summer tourism, but during the winter season, a nighttime illumination event is held for visitors to enjoy. Using lighting, various stories are recreated in about 10 minutes. The snow-covered lake surface shines in various colors, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The shadows created by the lights on the surrounding dead larch trees are also a highlight. Please wear warm clothes when visiting at night, as it can get very cold.

On Route 966, which leads to the Blue Pond, you'll find Michi-no-Eki Biei "Shirogane Birke." Here, there are shops where you can purchase local souvenirs, as well as restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious cuisine. One recommended spot is "BETWEEN THE BREAD," where you can enjoy a delicious hamburger with a terrace seat. They offer carefully crafted dishes made with fresh vegetables and dairy products from Biei Town.

If you visit the Blue Pond, you'll want to enjoy other sightseeing spots as well. One such spot is Shirahige Falls, located about a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond in the direction of Tokachi-dake. With a drop of 30 meters, it's classified as a rare "subterranean waterfall" in Japan and is also known as the "Blue River." As the name suggests, the water's composition gives the falls a blue color as it flows into the river. In addition to the summer scenery, you can also see "jyukai," or "frost-covered trees," created by the spray of water falling during the winter season. This is also a beautiful sight and a popular photo spot.

Near the Blue Pond, the "Blue Pond Shop" is open during the summer season. Here, you can enjoy sweets with a blue color, such as "Blue Pond Soft Serve Ice Cream" and "Blue Pond Pudding," which are inspired by the Blue Pond. All of these dishes are limited edition items that can only be eaten here, making them sure to leave a lasting memory. Additionally, the unique blue appearance of the dishes is popular among young people as it's perfect for sharing on social media.