Seasons · Biei

Why the Blue Pond belongs to the morning

Jul 2026 · Biei ／ Words and photographs: INSIDE HOKKAIDO NORTH — three years in Biei and Furano, now living in Asahikawa

One thing to say first about the Blue Pond in winter: the evening illumination is the famous part, but the water is at its deepest colour in the first thirty minutes after opening.

The reason is simple — the wind is still weak in the morning. The surface does not move, so the dead larches reflect cleanly. After 10:00 the coaches arrive, the wind picks up, and the blue turns milky.

It is 25 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport. That figure assumes dry tarmac; in January and February allow 30 to 35. The ploughs come through, but the last 3km towards Shirogane Onsen is often packed snow.

Parking is ¥500, cleared even in winter, with working toilets. From there it is about 200m over snow to the boardwalk, so trainers will get wet. Bring boots or something waterproof.

A destination’s “best season” usually means the season with the most people in it.

One more thing. Most people see the pond and leave, but Shirahige Falls is three minutes further on, far quieter, and in winter you can watch the river steaming from the bridge. The pond’s blue comes from that water, so seeing it second makes more sense.

Give the pond and the falls 45 minutes together. Longer and you are just cold. Then head for the Biei hills and aim to be in Furano before noon.