Blue Pond starts its light-up on 22 October

The Blue Pond in Biei begins its 2026-27 illumination on 22 October, with autumn lighting continuing until 9pm during the opening months.

The 2026-27 illumination at the Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoiike) in Biei, Japan, starts on 22 October 2026 and runs until 21 April 2027. The season brings an evening programme to a site known for water that appears blue when light is scattered by minerals in it.

For visitors from Western Europe, the new schedule places the opening during the transition from autumn colour to winter conditions in Hokkaido.

Blue Pond illumination starts in Biei on 22 October

The published 2026-27 schedule sets the illumination period from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027, with the lights running until 9pm. October and November switch-on times begin at 5pm, while later months use different start times. The schedule also covers the nearby Birke Forest. The 2026-27 schedule says that the illumination may be stopped in bad weather.

The programme uses several lighting patterns rather than a single static colour. A published event listing gives the venue as Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei and confirms the period from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027. It also states that the water may no longer be visible once freezing and snow cover develop. The event listing for the illumination describes the pond and its surrounding area as the venue.

Why the Blue Pond changes after snow and ice

The pond was created accidentally during work intended to control mudslides. The local tourism association explains that aluminium in the water scatters sunlight, producing the blue appearance seen in daylight. The effect is therefore linked to the water and the way light reaches it, rather than to an artificial colour added to the pond.

Winter changes what can be seen. Snow can cover the water surface, while ice and snow alter the visual setting for the lights. This makes the October opening distinct from later visits: the first part of the season can show autumn trees around the water, while deeper winter conditions shift attention towards illuminated snow and the standing larch trees. The tourism association description records the pond’s location, formation and transport links.

Visiting Blue Pond: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The illumination runs at the Blue Pond from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027. In October and November, the lights begin at 5pm and continue until 9pm.
• The viewing conditions change through the period. Snow can hide the blue water, and bad weather may stop the illumination, so the illuminated scene is not identical throughout the season.
• The site is in Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido. The tourism association lists access by car or route bus from JR Biei Station and JR Asahikawa Station.
• The route includes an outdoor viewing area beside a pond. Visitors should remain in designated places because areas outside the viewing points 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

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Frequently asked questions about Blue Pond

When does the Blue Pond illumination take place?

The 2026-27 illumination takes place from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027. In October and November, it begins at 5pm and runs until 9pm.

Where is the Blue Pond and how do you get there?

The pond is in Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido, Japan. It can be reached by car or route bus from JR Biei Station or JR Asahikawa Station.

What is the Blue Pond?

It is a pond created during mudslide-control work, where aluminium in the water scatters sunlight and produces its blue appearance.