My trip to Aoi Ike in Biei, Hokkaido, was a heart-warming experience. The spectacular view of the mysterious blue pond, walking surrounded by nature, simple local delicacies, and resting at a quiet inn. All of these were moments when the nature and beauty of Hokkaido blended together. Let me introduce the charms of the Blue Pond of Biei, which my family and I discovered on this trip, by theme. The mystical beauty of the pond, the peaceful strolls of nature, the warmth of the local flavor, and the serenity of rest. This trip will surely leave a vivid memory in your mind. Why not spend a relaxing time in the nature of Biei with your loved ones? Travelers from overseas can also easily enjoy this tour, as there is a wide range of English-language information and applications available.
The Mystery of Blue Pond: Mysterious Scenery of Biei
About a two-hour drive from Sapporo Station, you will arrive at Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) in Biei-cho, which was created by a dam construction in 1988 and is known for its mysterious blue surface, which is especially beautiful during the season of autumn leaves. Standing in front of the pond, the children rolled their eyes and said, ” The water is so blue, it’s so mysterious! and my husband said, “The color is just like in a picture. My husband squinted at the surrounding foliage, saying, “The color is just like in a photograph. An English information board explained the origin and ecology of the pond, and a tourist from overseas sketching next to me blended in naturally. The mystery of the blue pond is a moment to experience the scenery of Biei. Admission is free and open 24 hours a day, but 9:00-16:00 is recommended. Check the official website ( Biei Aoi Ike ) for an English map and information on autumn foliage in 2025.
Nature Walk: Biei Hills and Autumn Foliage Path
After being impressed by the mystery of Aoi Ike, move on to the hills of Biei. This area, a 5-minute drive, is a walking course (about 2 km, 45 minutes) with patchwork-like hills and beautiful autumn foliage. The children said, ” The hills look like waves! while my husband squinted at the surrounding fields, saying, “This view is like a postcard. I, too, was soothed by the scent of autumn carried by the wind. An English trail map explained the topography of the hills, and family conversations were sparked by the sight of international visitors taking pictures next to each other. 2025 Biei Autumn Foliage Festival (October) will be held in Biei, and the lights will be fantastic. A stroll in Biei is a moment to experience the serenity of nature. Strolling is free of charge and recommended from 9:00 to 16:00. For details, please check the official website ( Biei Sightseeing ).
Local Flavor: Japanese Lunch in Biei
After the stroll, we enjoyed lunch at ” Biei Japanese Cuisine: A Taste of the Hill” in Biei. This restaurant, a 5-minute drive from the hill, boasts fresh local vegetables and seafood. As we were ushered into the warm wooden restaurant, we could see the view of the hills through the window. The Biei vegetable rice bowl set (1,500 yen) we ordered was filled with potatoes and pumpkins. The kids kept on eating. My husband added a local beer and was in a good mood, saying, “This rustic taste is the charm of Biei. I, too, was satisfied with the refreshing accent of the small bowl of ume plum-flavored dishes. An English menu was available, and seeing an international traveler enjoying the food next to us sparked a conversation among family members. A Japanese lunch in Biei is a moment to savor the bounty of nature. Open from 11:00 to 15:00 (last order 14:00). For reservations, please check the official website ( Japanese Cuisine in Biei: A Taste of the Hill).
Resting Tranquility: Hokkaido Night at Biei Guesthouse
After lunch, we took a rest at Biei Guest House. This inn, a 10-minute drive from the restaurant, offers rooms with a view of the hills. When we were shown into the spacious room, the children were delighted at the window saying, ” The hills are right there! and the children were delighted by the window. My husband watched the sunset on the terrace and said, “I love the quietness of this place. I, too, was comforted by the Japanese sweets and ume tea I ordered from the room service, and reflected on the day with my family. An English-language guidebook provided detailed information about the inn and the surrounding area, and it was comforting to see visitors from overseas relaxing next to us. 2025’s autumn foliage lighting (in October) is linked to the inn’s events. Accommodation rates start from around 20,000 yen per room per night including breakfast. For details, please check the official website ( Biei Guest House ).
The secret to enjoying Biei Aoi Ike to your heart’s content
In order to truly enjoy your trip to Aoi Ike in Biei, we have devised a few tips. You can drive from Sapporo Station and visit the ponds and hills in a compact way. If you are with children, check the stroller-friendly walking route in advance. The pond can be avoided in the morning when it is quieter to avoid crowds, and an English map can be helpful for overseas travelers. For Japanese lunch, reserve a table and enjoy a relaxed meal. At guesthouses, consulting an English-language map of the area upon check-in makes it easier to plan the next day’s visit. 2025 Autumn Foliage Festival (October) offers a wide variety of English-guided events. Checking the official website for seasonal attractions (cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall) will further add color to your trip. Please make sure your children are hydrated and dressed warmly, and travelers from overseas can make use of the English-language app to make their trip smoother and more enjoyable.
The mysterious waters of the Biei Blue Pond brought smiles to my family’s faces. When the children saw the pond, ” Mysterious color! ” was the best thing they said.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
The trip to the Blue Pond in Biei satisfied the sensibility and intellectual curiosity that Private Wisdom values. The mystical beauty of the pond was captivating, and the nature walk delivered a peaceful time. The local Japanese cuisine was a moment to experience the bounty of Biei, and the rest at the guesthouse brought the trip to a peaceful conclusion. 2025 Autumn Foliage Festival added a special sparkle to this trip. You, too, can experience the pure charm of Biei Blue Pond and have a soothing trip with your family or loved ones. Let us know your favorite experiences in Biei in the comments!
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