Shirogane Blue Pond
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Year-round; winter for snow-framed blue water; autumn for foliage
- Budget
- $
- Accessibility
- limited
- Coordinates
- Open in maps
An artificial pond in the Shirogane onsen district near Biei, formed as a byproduct of volcanic disaster prevention works on the Biei River, which carries colloidal aluminum hydroxide that scatters light to produce an intense blue-turquoise color in the water. Submerged dead tree trunks emerging from the surface and the surrounding white birch forest enhance the otherworldly quality of the site. The pond has been particularly photographed in winter when snow and ice frames the blue water.
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