Shirogane Blue Pond

Overview

The Shirogane Blue Pond, located in Biei-cho, Hokkaido, is a man-made pond formed when water accumulated behind a dam built as a countermeasure against volcanic mudflows from Mount Tokachi. Dead larch trees stand around the pond, creating a captivating scene that enthralls many visitors. The pond's beautiful blue color is a result of colloidal particles formed by the mixture of spring water from Shirogane Onsen (containing sulfur and other hot spring components) and the water of the Biei River. Sunlight scattering off these colloidal particles causes blue light to be more prominent, creating the unique blue hue. The white soil at the bottom of the pond also reflects light, further enhancing the blue color. The pond's surface shimmers beautifully, especially during sunset and at night, offering a different ambiance than during the daytime. The Shirogane Blue Pond is a testament to the miraculous landscape created by the interplay of nature and human activity.