Things to do in Kamikawa

Sounkyo Auto Camping Ground

Taisetsu Fishing Pond

No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Hokkaido

Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)

Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike) is an artificial pond created after the eruption of Mount Tokachi, when a dam was built on the Biei River to prevent volcanic mudflow disasters, resulting in the accidental accumulation of water. The trunks of larch and birch trees, which died from long-term submersion, stand in the pond, and the blue-green water reflects the dead trees and the forest. The blue color here is not artificial. After the aluminum-rich spring water from the upstream Shirogane Onsen flows into the Biei River, it mixes with the river water to form invisible colloidal particles. These particles strongly scatter the blue light from the sun, while the white volcanic soil at the bottom of the pond makes the blue appear even more vivid. The blueness of the pond water changes with the weather, time of day, and season. You can take photos from different angles while walking along the trail by the pond. This pond is also widely known for a photograph: a work by photographer Kent Shiraishi featuring the first snow here won an award in the National Geographic Photo Contest and was subsequently selected by Apple as one of the built-in wallpapers for its computer operating system. Every winter, the pond surface freezes and is covered in snow. After nightfall, lights illuminate the dead trees and the ice, presenting a tranquil scene that is completely different from the daytime.

Mikuni Pass

The altitude here is about 1,139 meters. The surrounding vegetation is rich and green, making it a good choice for outdoor leisure.

Obako

Kinokonosatoaibetsuoto Camping Ground

Gingano Falls

Selected for Best Things to Do in Hokkaido

Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka

Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka is a panoramic flower garden located in theBiei hills of Hokkaido, covering an area of approx. 15 hectares. The rolling slopes are planted in rotation with approx. 30 types of flowers and plants, including lavender, lupines, sunflowers, and cosmos, which bloom continuously from late spring to late fall: in summer, lavender spreads out in purple ribbons, followed by sunflowers lifting their heads, and in the fall, they are replaced by pink and white cosmos. Rows of flower ribbons spread out along the curves of the hills, looking like an open palette from a distance, and on clear days, you can even see the distant Tokachi mountain range. Giant scarecrows stand in the flower fields, and the park also keeps a herd of alpacas that you can view up close. If you get tired of walking, you can take a tractor-pulled tour vehicle to ride around the flower fields, or try an ice cream made with fresh Biei milk. In winter, the snow-covered hills transform into a snow park, where you can also experience snow activities like snowmobiling.

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

Selected for Best Things to Do in Hokkaido

Shirahige Waterfall

Shirahige Waterfall is a groundwater-fed waterfall on the upper reaches of the Biei River. Groundwater from theMount Tokachimountain range seeps into the ground and emerges from rock crevices halfway up the canyon cliff, cascading down the cliff face in dozens of thin streams. From a distance, it resembles a hanging white beard, which is how it got its name. The ideal viewing spot is the observation deck on the bridge spanning the Biei River. Looking over the railing, the white streams and the blue-green river below are captured in the same frame, creating an iconic composition for this view. Rich in minerals, this section of the river scatters sunlight to create a translucent blue color as it flows toward the hot spring area downstream. The waterfall has different highlights throughout the four seasons: in summer, the mountains are lush and green, making the blue-green river stand out; in fall, the forest is ablaze with color; in winter, the cliffs are covered in snow, creating a striking contrast between the white snow and the blue river. Located adjacent to the hot spring town, it offers visitors a unique natural viewing and photography experience.