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Described as a ‘happy accident’, this man-made feature formed following work on the Biei River as a safety measure to protect the nearby town of Biei from volcanic mudflows after the eruption of Daisetsuzan National Park’s Mount Tokachi in 1988. People think that the pond’s bright blue hues, ranging from cobalt to turquoise, result from a mix of natural minerals, including colloidal aluminium hydroxide in the water.
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Nestled in the rolling hills of Biei, Hokkaido, Japan, the Blue Pond (Aoiike) happens to be fascinating demonstration of human ingenuity in the face of danger.
With its turquoise waters, skeletal trees, and ever-changing palette, the man-made wonder has captivated travellers for years.
Its origins are as unexpected as its beauty. Created in 1988, it was never intended to be a tourist attraction. Instead, it was part of an erosion control project to protect the town of Biei from volcanic mudflows after Mount Tokachi’s eruption. A dam was built along the Biei River, forming the pond as a buffer zone. Over time, nature took over, transforming this functional structure into a beautiful landscape.
The pond’s vivid blue is said to come from ‘colloidal aluminum hydroxide’, a mineral leached from volcanic soil. These microscopic particles scatter sunlight, intensifying blue wavelengths in the water. The shade fluctuates with weather and light—glowing turquoise under summer sun or deepening to cobalt on cloudy days.
In speaking of the blue pond’s surroundings, the nearby Shirahige Waterfall—tinted the same mineral blue—is usually another stop on traveller’s lists.
Ecologically, the aluminum-rich water limits biodiversity to some degree, but unique microorganisms thrive here!
Adapted from segment published in the December 2024 issue of Getaway Magazine. Find us on shelves for more!
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