Hidden gem gone viral thanks to an Apple wallpaper: Biei Blue Pond’s dreamy Tiffany blue

Reported by Shi Yuxuan / Hokkaido

The world-renowned breathtaking scenery of “Biei Blue Pond” (青い池, Aoiike), in July 2012, was set as the default boot-up desktop for the MacBook Pro by Apple and is also one of the official preset 15 wallpapers. With Apple’s endorsement, the beauty of the Blue Pond became an overnight sensation, turning into the most popular hidden spot in recent years.

%Apple set the beautiful Blue Pond as the boot-up desktop for the MacBook Pro. (Photo / Screenshot from the internet)

Biei Blue Pond was originally constructed by the local government to prevent mudflow disasters caused by eruptions of Mount Tokachi. Several check dams were built, and the Blue Pond is one of them. Due to volcanic activity, a large amount of aluminum hydroxide has settled at the bottom of the pond. Under light, it reflects a blue glow, and as daylight and shadows shift, the color of the water in the pond changes, so every time you see it, the lake may appear in different hues.

%The color changes with the shifting light... it could be interpreted as... etc., this time the reporter captured it in Tiffany blue. (Photo / Taken by Shi Yuxuan)

The Blue Pond is literally a beautiful mistake — it was originally just a sediment control dam but unexpectedly became a globally recognized scenic wonder. The trees in the pond gradually rot and diminish due to being submerged, and many have already fallen to the bottom. In a few more years, the Blue Pond will become a calm expanse of blue-green water without any dead trees in sight.

%Looking at it now, there’s still one tree that remains upright in the water... (Photo / Taken by Shi Yuxuan)

To keep this beautiful scene from disappearing, 76-year-old Japanese painter Toshio Manabe used his brush to document it. He spent four years personally visiting the Blue Pond to experience the interplay of light and shadow created by the dead trees and water, and painted 17 pieces for an exhibition. Modestly, he said he hasn’t yet captured the Blue Pond at its most beautiful. Despite his advanced age and the toll on his health, he says he will continue painting it in the future.

%The elderly Japanese artist focused intently on capturing the unique atmosphere of the pond. (Photo / Taken by Shi Yuxuan)

The Blue Pond is located in the southeastern part of Biei Town, also known as “Shirogane Blue Pond” or “Biei Shirogane Blue Pond.” Nearby, there are forest trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. Because of its remote location and lack of commercial shops, it’s rarely visited by Taiwanese travelers, but it’s a favorite among Japanese tourists. Not only did Apple come here to shoot its wallpaper, but many Japanese commercials and music videos have also chosen the Blue Pond as a filming location.

%The unique scene presented by the Blue Pond. (Photo / Taken by Shi Yuxuan)