Blue Pond in Biei begins illumination on 22 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 00:25 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Blue Pond (Shirogane Blue Pond) in Biei, Japan, begins its winter illumination on 22 October 2026. The display continues until 21 April 2027, linking a seasonal programme to one of Hokkaido's best-known waterside landmarks.
Blue Pond illumination starts on 22 October in Biei
The illumination is organised by Biei Town and runs through the night-time season at the pond. In October and November, the lights start at 5pm and remain on until 9pm. The official programme lists a 4.30pm start in December, 5pm in January, 5.30pm in February, 6pm in March and 6.30pm in April.
The town says the display uses several lighting patterns, with one sequence presented over about 15 minutes. Once ice and snow cover the surface, the programme changes to add more graduated lighting and stronger depth in the shadows. The official illumination programme also warns that severe weather can lead to cancellation.
How the illumination changes this Biei landmark
Blue Pond was created accidentally as a by-product of work to control mudslides. Aluminium that entered the water scatters sunlight, producing the blue appearance described by the Biei Tourism Association.
That origin gives the October 2026 programme a particular setting: the lights are applied to a place built as part of flood-control infrastructure rather than as a purpose-designed attraction. In winter, snow can hide the blue water entirely, so the visitor experience shifts from viewing the coloured pond to viewing illuminated snow, trees and shadows around it.
Visiting Blue Pond: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The illumination runs at Blue Pond from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027. In October and November, it starts at 5pm and ends at 9pm.
- The pond remains the venue for the display, but snow and ice can cover the blue surface. The programme changes after the surface freezes and snow settles.
- Blue Pond is in Shirogane, Biei, in Hokkaido. The tourism association lists access by route bus from JR Asahikawa Station or JR Biei Station, as well as by car.
- The town warns visitors to remain in the designated viewing areas. Areas outside the viewpoints are dangerous, and entering the pond is prohibited.
- 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 illumination take place at Blue Pond?
The 2026-27 illumination begins on 22 October 2026 and ends on 21 April 2027. In October and November, it runs from 5pm until 9pm.
What is Blue Pond in Biei?
It is a pond created as a by-product of mudslide-control works. Aluminium in the water scatters sunlight and gives the surface its blue appearance.
Where is Blue Pond and how do you get there?
Blue Pond is in Shirogane, Biei, Hokkaido. Route buses serve the area from JR Asahikawa Station and JR Biei Station, and the site can also be reached by car.
