Home › Travel › Ethereal Beauty in Japan: Hokkaido’s Stu...

Ethereal Beauty in Japan: Hokkaido’s Stunningly Beautiful Platinum Blue Pond

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The ethereal and dreamy Hokkaido attraction known as Blue Pond initially sparked widespread discussion when this picturesque and surreal spot was used as the desktop wallpaper for OSX-Mountain Lion, much like the green meadow photo from Windows XP became a familiar yet unfamiliar beautiful sight to many.

By / MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu

Hokkaido’s ethereal and dreamlike attraction, Blue Pond, first gained widespread attention when this painting-like and mysterious spot was chosen as the desktop background for OS X-Mountain Lion. Just as the green grass photo did for Windows XP, it became a beautiful landscape that many recognize yet feel strangely distant from.

This ethereal beauty, Hokkaido’s Blue Pond, has won numerous awards in photography competitions. (Image source / Kent Shiraishi)

This work won awards in international photography competitions, drawing the eyes of countless people, and photographer Kent Shiraishi also gained attention. The lake is located in Biei Town, Hokkaido, and is known as Blue Pond or Blue Pond. With sapphire-like waters that sometimes shift to an emerald hue depending on the environment, it has inspired many to visit. However, due to the inconvenient access to Blue Pond, it has added an extra layer of mystique.

The color of Blue Pond shifts to an emerald tone depending on environmental conditions. (Image source / Kent Shiraishi)

The color of Blue Pond shifts to an emerald tone depending on environmental conditions. (Image source / Kent Shiraishi)

Just like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, the formation of Biei’s Blue Pond is also a beautiful mistake. Located 5 kilometers away from the pond is an active volcano called Mount Tokachidake. Though active volcanoes are dangerous, they also bring rich hot springs and scenic beauty—tourism resources that have long attracted many travelers. In 1989, Mount Tokachidake erupted, and to protect Biei Town, the government undertook multiple projects, including constructing the dam that created Blue Pond, to shield the town from volcanic lava damage.

The tranquil and serene Blue Pond changes its surrounding forest scenery with the seasons, offering different kinds of beauty. (Image source / Kent Shiraishi)

The clear sapphire-blue water reflects the clouds, resembling an upside-down sky. (Image source / hiecc)

coffee coffee beans espresso geisha coffee latte cappuccino arabica robusta pour over cold brew

Share

This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-37785

← Previous

Welcome the Goddess of Wealth: A Grand Festival of Lights in Malaysia

 Next →

No need to go to Guam for your wedding—the romantic Crystal Chapel in Tainan is about to open!

Related Articles

↑
0