Blue Pond illumination begins on 22 October 2026
Published on 09/27/2026 at 09:41 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
The Blue Pond (Aoiike) in Biei, Japan, will begin its 2026-2027 illumination programme on 22 October 2026. The Blue Pond illumination will continue until 21 April 2027, giving visitors a dated evening event at the Shirogane site.
The schedule falls inside the current travel window and is published by Biei Town. The programme is planned for public visitors, although severe weather can lead to cancellation.
Blue Pond illumination starts on 22 October in Biei
The 2026-2027 Blue Pond illumination runs from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027. Biei Town says several lighting patterns combine into a story lasting about 15 minutes.
Lighting begins at 5pm in October and November, at 4.30pm in December, and at 5pm in January. The start moves to 5.30pm in February, 6pm in March and 6.30pm in April, with the programme ending at 9pm each night. The official illumination schedule also says that the programme may stop during severe weather.
Winter conditions change what visitors see. Biei Town states that snow can cover the blue water surface, so the lighting is designed for the snow, submerged larch trees and their shadows as well as the pond.
How the Blue Pond connects an erosion-control site with light
The Blue Pond was formed accidentally during attempts to control mudslides. The Biei Tourism Association says aluminium in the water scatters sunlight, producing the pond's blue appearance.
The pond was created in 1988 when the Biei River was dammed as part of erosion-control work, according to Japan's official tourism guide. That origin gives the 2026-2027 programme a specific setting: the lights are applied to a landscape created by disaster-prevention infrastructure, not a purpose-built attraction.
The site lies in Shirogane, in Biei-cho, Hokkaido. The Biei Tourism Association information lists the pond as open throughout the year, with access by car or route bus from JR Biei Station.
Visiting Blue Pond: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The illumination starts on 22 October 2026 and runs through 21 April 2027 at the Blue Pond in Shirogane, Biei.
- In October and November, the lights start at 5pm and run until 9pm. The programme may be cancelled in severe weather, and the pond's blue surface may be hidden by snow.
- The site is in Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido. Route buses run from JR Biei Station, and the tourism association also lists access from JR Asahikawa Station.
- The adjacent car park has spaces for 220 cars and 20 buses. Biei Town lists charges of 1,000 yen for a standard car, 300 yen for a motorcycle and 6,000 yen for a large vehicle.
- The viewing area is next to the car park, but winter snow and ice can affect the path. Visitors are told to remain outside restricted areas and not enter the pond.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Blue Pond on social platforms
These links open searches for Blue Pond on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Blue Pond
When does the Blue Pond illumination take place?
The 2026-2027 programme starts on 22 October 2026 and ends on 21 April 2027. It runs until 9pm, with monthly changes to the starting time.
What is the Blue Pond?
The pond is an accidental result of erosion-control work on the Biei River in 1988. Aluminium in the water scatters sunlight and contributes to its blue appearance.
Where is the Blue Pond and how do you get there?
The Blue Pond is in Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido. Visitors can reach it by route bus from JR Biei Station or by car, using the adjacent car park.
