Blue Pond, Artificial pond in Biei, Japan
Blue Pond is an artificial pond in the town of Biei on the island of Hokkaidō in Japan, known for its milky blue water color. The water carries fine mineral particles that refract sunlight, producing different shades of blue depending on weather and time of day.
Engineers built the pond in 1989 as part of an erosion control system designed to protect the region from mudflows descending from Mount Tokachi. The unexpected result was a body of water with an unusual blue tint caused by volcanic minerals suspended in the flow.
The name Aoiike refers to the water's unusual color, which draws photographers and travelers from around the world seeking to capture its shifting tones. Many visitors arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see how changing light transforms the surface and the surrounding forest.
Visitors can reach the site using direct bus services from JR Biei Station, with the trip taking around 25 minutes. During winter the grounds are lit in the evening, offering a different perspective on the water and the trees.
Dead Japanese larch and silver birch trees still stand in the water, forming a contrast with the blue surface. These trees were not removed when the basin filled, and today they form an essential part of how the site appears.
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