It began in 1989 as a dam against mudflows after an eruption, then became an Apple wallpaper.
The intense, almost unnatural blue comes from microparticles of aluminium hydroxide dispersed in the water, which scatter sunlight. The pond is not natural: the dam that forms it was built in 1989 by the Hokkaido Development Bureau, to hold back volcanic mud after the eruption of Mount Tokachidake the year before.
Biei Blue Pond began as a containment basin: after the eruption of Mount Tokachidake in December 1988, the Hokkaido Development Bureau built a dam between June and December 1989 to stop volcanic mudflows along the Biei River. The trees that stick out of the water are those of the valley that was left submerged. The colour, between blue and turquoise depending on the light, is due to suspended aluminium compounds that scatter sunlight. It was used as a system wallpaper in a 2012 version of macOS, becoming known outside Japan as well.
ℹ️ Access to the pond, along the prefectural road, is open and free of charge. From November to April there is evening illumination: check its times and the car park charge before your visit.
🚉 Shirogane Aoiike-iriguchi (白金青い池入口) · 4 min walk
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