Mystical night scene at Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, with colorful celestial lights.
A mesmerizing night scene at Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido, Japan, with colorful celestial lights reflecting on the serene water surface.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

In Japan there are mysterious places often shown in photos but where nobody really seems to go. Aoike – literally the Blue Pond is one of these.

In Japan there are mysterious places often shown in photos but where nobody really seems to go. Aoike – literally the Blue Pond (青い池) – is one of these. This pond is in fact in the most popular area of Hokkaido, Furano, where all the cows gather and moo plaintively to attract tourists. But seriously, if you’ve seen pictures of lavender fields in Japan, it’s very likely Furano.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

I didn’t want to visit Aoike and be just another brick in the wall. So I took Airi, my adventurer friend, on a night visit. A large empty parking lot, a path leading into the forest, the Milky Way overhead. I get out my two flashlights and we set off. Beware of bears.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

It’s pitch black! The pond is only 10 minutes walk from the car park but I think that in case of a bear problem we’ll really have to run for it! The pond is invisible to the naked eye, so I have to illuminate the scene.

Milky Aoike

Well, that’s about the kind of result I wanted (minus the clouds and the moonlight at the side). But after 30 minutes messing about and running around everywhere, we choose to leave. The risk of ending up as bear snacks is too great. We’ll come back tomorrow morning.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

Finally, around 6.30, there’s nobody around. Bu the light isn’t ideal and late afternoon would seem a better choice. We enjoy the quiet. The first rays pierce through the birch trees and the colours sparkle on the water.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

I settle myself behind an old man who comes here to paint Aoike in all conditions and at all seasons.

Aoike: The Blue Pond
Aoike: The Blue Pond

I didn’t want to break the spell too soon but this place is actually not entirely natural. It’s the result of construction to prevent sudden erosion that could be caused by nearby volcanic activity. This system protects the Biei area downstream.

Aoike: The Blue Pond

I recommend you a visit by night if you aren’t scared of bears. Or at anytime, this place is always beautiful anyway 🙂

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan