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Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls (Winter Illumination)

Shirogane, BieiLake❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Mar✦ Illumination
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Overview

Overview

Known in summer for its blue water, Shirogane Blue Pond turns into a silvery white world covered in snow in winter. At night the dead larch trees standing in the pond are illuminated, and together with nearby Shirahige Falls, you can enjoy a magical winter scene.

Address
Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0235
Official website
https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/shirogane-blue-pond
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonMid-December to late March (as given in the Hokkaido Tourism Organization’s model course)
December
January
February
March

In winter the pond is covered with snow, so the blue water cannot be seen. The illumination may be cancelled in bad weather

This season’s events & operating dates

2026–27 illumination: October 22, 2026 – April 21, 2027

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

In winter the Blue Pond is covered in snow and ice, and the dead larches floating in the illumination are striking. At Shirahige Falls, a few minutes away by car, the white of the falling water, the white of the snow and the black rock face make a vivid contrast, and at night the hoarfrost-covered trees are illuminated.

📷 Best views
Shirogane Blue Pond viewing spot

The snow-covered pond and dead larch trees glowing in the illumination

Shirahige Falls (Shirogane Onsen)

A waterfall pouring from the rock face, snowy scenery and illuminated hoarfrost

Illumination

Illumination & winter lights

Period
October 22, 2026 – April 21, 2027
Hours
December 16:30–21:00, January 17:00–21:00, February 17:30–21:00, March 18:00–21:00

Shirahige Falls is illuminated year-round from sunset to 21:00. May be cancelled in bad weather

Hours

Opening hours

Blue Pond parking lot (November–April)8:00–21:30

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Blue Pond parking lotRegular car ¥1,000, large vehicle ¥6,000, motorcycle ¥300

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The path from the parking lot to the viewing spot is dark, so bring a flashlight or use your phone light
  • ✓Paths are snowy and icy, so wear shoes with good grip
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Biei Station (JR Furano Line)About 20 min by Dohoku Bus (about 30 min to Shirahige Falls; get off at Shirogane Onsen and walk 3 min)
From major stations & airports
  • Asahikawa Airport: Car (About 40 min)
Driving & winter roads
The Blue Pond has a paid parking lot (220 spaces). For Shirahige Falls, use the free parking lot at the Shirogane Tourist Center (22 spaces)
Getting back
  • Using the parking lot’s pre-payment machine makes leaving smoother
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Asahikawa: high -3.3°C, low -11.7°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Shirogane, in the mountains, is often colder than the city
What to wear & bring
The evening illumination is especially cold, so wear a heavy down jacket, a hat, gloves and winter boots
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
24-hour toilets inside the Shirogane Tourist Center
Payment
Pre-payment machine available for the parking lot
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls (Winter Illumination)PR

PRSee more places to stay near Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls (Winter Illumination) on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Asahikawa & Biei

February

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11

December–March

Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Asahikawa & Biei

Zoo

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.

See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Hokkaido

Old town

Otaru Canal in Winter

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Jan

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookFurano Ningle Terrace, Biei Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls Illumination Day Tour from SapporoA day bus tour from Sapporo. In winter there are plans visiting the Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls illuminations and Ningle TerraceView