After the eruption of Mount Tokachidake in 1988, a dike was built to prevent the volcanic eruption. This construction accidentally caused the river water to accumulate and create this lake. Initially, this place was forbidden to enter and contained many mysteries. However, in 2010, after the ban was lifted, the sparkling beauty of Lake Biei quickly spread widely, it became famous and became a tourist attraction. Especially when the image of the Blue Lake Biei was used as a wallpaper for products of computer manufacturers, this place became known not only within Japan but also worldwide.
The reason the lake water is sparkling blue is because the water contains Aluminum which flows from the nearby hot springs and reflects the blue of the sky. The sulfur and lime components contained in the hot springs accumulate into rocks and white sand at the bottom of the river, creating a beautiful contrast that enhances the blue of the water.
Spring
The weather was still cold, the waters of Lake Biei formed a giant ice rink, and through the melted ice, visitors could see the emerald green below. And in the midst of such icy scenery, the surrounding forest signaled the arrival of spring with fresh green buds beginning to sprout.
Summer
Lake Biei becomes even more brilliant in the summer, bringing truly refreshing and cool days to visitors. As long as there is no rain, the lake is always blue, making summer the most beautiful and also the peak season of the year. At this time, the area near the lake becomes crowded, and the nearby parking lot also has limited capacity, so choose a time when there are few visitors to leisurely admire the sparkling beauty of the lake and the scenery around the lake!
Autumn
Snow begins to fall on the Tokachi Mountains in early October, so the time visitors can enjoy the autumn scenery on Lake Biel is quite short. But the surrounding red and yellow leaves reflected on the surface of Lake Biel is truly a beautiful sight, worthy of admiration.
Winter
Although Blue Lake Biel is off-limits to visitors during the winter, the sight of the frozen lake completely covered in pure white snow and hazy sunlight adds to its charm, tempting photographers to visit during the harshest weather of the year.
There are many attractions around the lake, such as Shirahige Falls, with its crystal clear water, or Shirakaba Kaido Road, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely drive to enjoy the beautiful scenery, or Tokachidake Tembodai Observatory, where you can see the whole view of the Tokachidake mountain range. There is also Shirogane Onsen hot spring surrounded by unspoiled nature, you can stay here or just bathe and leave on the same day.
