Biei's Blue Pond: More Green Than Blue

Soon after breakfast at our Airbnb in Furano on 13 July, we set off for Biei to visit the famous Blue Pond, one of Hokkaido's most celebrated natural attractions. Renowned for its striking blue water and tranquil surroundings, the pond has become an iconic destination that draws visitors from around the world.

The Blue Pond in actual fact is not a natural lake. It was formed accidentally in the late 1980s when a dam was built to protect nearby communities from volcanic mudflows originating from Mount Tokachi. Water gradually collected behind the dam, creating the pond seen today. Over time, nature transformed this man-made reservoir into one of Japan's most picturesque landscapes.

The pond's remarkable colour is the result of a natural phenomenon. Mineral-rich water containing fine aluminium particles mixes with the crystal-clear water of the Biei River. These tiny particles scatter sunlight, particularly the blue wavelengths, giving the pond its famous turquoise hue. However, its colour is never constant. Depending on the weather, the angle of the sun and the viewing position, the water may appear vivid blue, emerald green or even grey.

When we finally arrived and gazed upon the pond, it was more green than blue! Instead of the brilliant azure often seen in photographs, the water had a soft emerald tint. It instantly reminded me of Peyto Lake in the Canadian Rockies, which I visited in September 2017 during our memorable drive from Banff to Jasper (Read here). Although they are formed in very different ways, both bodies of water possess an almost surreal beauty created by the minerals suspended in the water.

Adding to the pond's charm are the pale, leafless larch trees rising silently from the water. These trees were submerged when the pond was formed and have remained standing ever since, creating an ethereal landscape that has become the Blue Pond's signature.

The Blue Pond publicized in an advertisement.

The surroundings of the Blue Pond were surprisingly lush and green. Beyond the pond itself, the area was carpeted with a rich variety of flowering plants, wild grasses and dense woodland, creating a refreshing natural setting. Delicate wildflowers added splashes of colour along the walking paths, while butterflies, dragonflies and other tiny insects hovered gracefully among the blossoms. The gentle buzz of insects and the rustling of leaves in the breeze enhanced the tranquil atmosphere, making the visit as much about appreciating the surrounding ecosystem as admiring the famous pond itself. It was a peaceful reminder that the Blue Pond is not just a single scenic attraction, but part of a vibrant and thriving natural landscape.