Biei and the Blue Pond: Hokkaido's Patchwork Hills

Discover Biei in central Hokkaido: the glowing Blue Pond, the patchwork farm hills, flower fields and respectful ways to visit by bus or car.

Published October 17, 2026 at 9:08 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, was created in 1988 as part of an erosion control system for Mount Tokachi. Its water glows turquoise to cobalt blue, thought to come from natural colloidal aluminum hydroxide, and it is open all year.

The Hokkaido Postcard Everyone Recognizes

Few landscapes in Japan are as instantly photogenic as the rolling farmland around Biei, a small town in central Hokkaido. Gentle hills, neat strips of crops in many colors and a lonely tree standing against a huge sky have appeared in commercials, calendars and travel posters for years. Alongside them sits the Blue Pond, a glowing turquoise pool surrounded by larch trees that looks almost unreal in pictures. Both places have become favorite stops for travelers who want a slice of Hokkaido scenery without roughing it on a mountain trail.

This guide explains how the hills and the pond came to be, what to see around the town, and how to visit in a way that keeps the countryside beautiful for farmers and travelers alike. Biei lies between the cities of Asahikawa and Furano, below the Tokachidake mountain range, and it makes an excellent day trip or overnight stop in summer or winter. Because access arrangements, bus timetables and lighting events can change, please check current information on local and official sources before you go.

Hills Shaped by Ash and Farming

Biei covers about 677 square kilometers, and much of the land is forest, with only a modest share used for farming. The rolling shape of the hills comes from layers of volcanic ash deposited by the nearby Tokachi volcanic range. That soft terrain is a big reason the fields curve so gently, creating the wave-like patterns that make the town famous. Rice was the main crop here until 1983, after which farmers diversified into potatoes, sugar beets, beans, wheat and other seasonal crops, and the result is the patchwork of textures and colors seen from the roads today.

Tourism took off after a hot spring was discovered in the Shirogane area in 1950. The spring was drilled to a depth of 399 meters, and its waters are about 48 degrees Celsius. The discovery helped establish the town's identity as the Town of Hills, and over time the scenery itself became the main attraction. Today agriculture and tourism are the two core industries, and visitors who remember that the beautiful view is also a working farm will find the trip even more rewarding.

The Blue Pond and Its Glowing Color

The Blue Pond, called Aoi Ike in Japanese, is in the Shirogane district near Biei. It was created in 1988 as part of an erosion control system designed to limit mudflow damage from Mount Tokachi, and it has since turned into one of Hokkaido's best-known sights. The color ranges from vivid turquoise to emerald to cobalt blue depending on the season, weather and angle of the light. The bright tone is thought to come from natural colloidal aluminum hydroxide carried in water that flows in from Shirahige Falls, and wind, clouds and rain can all change the appearance from hour to hour.

Japanese larch trees surround the water, giving the pond a quiet, almost dreamlike look. Calm days can bring soft reflections, while winter brings a snowy, peaceful mood. Until 2014 the pond was closed in winter, but it is now open all year, and the winter evening illumination is considered a highlight. A short walk around the viewing areas is enough to see the changing colors from several angles.

Patchwork Road and Panorama Road

The Patchwork Road, northwest of the town center, takes its name from the quilt-like pattern of fields seen from above. It is green in summer and white with snow in winter. Along the way are individual trees that became famous through advertising, including the Ken and Mary Tree, the Seven Star Tree, the Parents and Child Tree (a group of oaks) and Mild Seven Hill. Their names come from the commercials and products they appeared in, which is part of why travelers enjoy hunting for them. Hokusei Hill Observatory and the Zerubu Hill flower park are also nearby.

The Panorama Road area is known for flower fields. Shikisai Hill is particularly popular for its stripes of lavender and other blossoms, and it is busiest in July and August, when the colorful fields draw thousands of visitors. The lily of the valley is Biei's official flower, a small and fragrant bloom that reflects the town's gentle character. Whichever route you choose, take time to pause at the viewpoints, because the best views often open up around a bend in the road.

Getting There and Visiting Respectfully

Getting around Biei is easiest by car or bicycle, but there are good public options too. The Blue Pond has a parking lot next to the road, about a two-minute walk from the water, reached by prefectural road 966. Bus tours run from Sapporo Station through tour companies, and in summer seasonal sightseeing buses connect Biei and Furano stations with the main spots. The local Dohoku Bus runs from Biei toward the Shirogane hot spring area in about twenty minutes, but with only a handful of round trips a day, so check the timetable carefully and arrive early. Sightseeing taxis are another option for small groups.

Respect is the most important part of any visit here. In 2018 more than 2.2 million tourists visited Biei, and the town has noted problems such as people walking into farm fields, trampling crops and flying drones. It adopted a Tourism Master Plan in 2020 to encourage better manners. The fields are someone's livelihood, so stay on roads and marked paths, keep to designated photo areas, and follow any local signs. Take your trash with you, park only in official lots, and keep drones at home unless local rules clearly allow them.

A few practical tips will help. Bring layers, since mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer, and wear sturdy shoes for gravel paths. In winter, expect snow and ice and plan for slower travel. Many travelers combine Biei with a visit to Asahikawa or Furano, or with a soak at the Shirogane hot spring. Starting early in the day usually means fewer crowds and softer light.

Quick Takeaways

Biei is a small town in central Hokkaido with rolling, ash-shaped hills that become a patchwork of crops in summer and a white canvas in winter. The Blue Pond, created in 1988 for erosion control, glows turquoise to cobalt thanks to natural minerals and the light. The Patchwork Road, Panorama Road and Shikisai Hill add trees, flowers and sweeping views.

Plan for a relaxed pace, check bus and lighting information ahead of time, and always treat farmland with care. If you do, Biei repays you with some of the most peaceful scenery in the north. Enjoy the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Blue Pond in Biei blue?

The bright color is thought to come from natural colloidal aluminum hydroxide in water that flows in from Shirahige Falls. The shade ranges from turquoise to emerald to cobalt, and weather and light can change it throughout the day.

How do I get to the Blue Pond?

By car, take prefectural road 966 to a parking lot about a two minute walk from the pond. Bus tours run from Sapporo, seasonal buses serve Biei and Furano, and a local bus runs from Biei with only a few trips daily.

Is the Blue Pond open in winter?

Yes. Until 2014 it closed in winter, but it is now open all year. The winter evening illumination is considered a highlight, though visitors should check current lighting details and expect snow and ice if they travel in the colder months.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Noboribetsu: Hokkaido's Hot Spring Valley, Rishiri and Rebun: Hokkaido's Northern Island Escape and Kenrokuen: Kanazawa's Garden of Six Attributes.