This tour combines infrastructure tourism focused on volcanic sabo (erosion and debris-flow control) facilities with geotourism initiatives promoted by the Tokachidake Geopark Promotion Council. The program has been running since June, and this time, three of us joined the Biei Course.

◎Tour date & time: June 5, 2025 (Thu), 9:00–12:00

I have created a video titled “Infrastructure & Geo Tour (Biei Course)”—please take a look.

2025.06.05 – Infrastructure & Geo Tour (Biei Course) | Kawatabi Hokkaido (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqTHni14z6w

Our guide was Hiroaki Ogura, a certified Tokachidake Geopark guide with nearly 30 years of experience.
Today, Biei is especially famous for the Blue Pond, which is very popular with international visitors. Mr. Ogura explained the mysterious origins of this suddenly appearing blue pond.

On the way to Shirahige Falls, we learned about the Shirinashizawa River channel works. These facilities were built after the December 1988 eruption of Mt. Tokachi to safely divert volcanic mudflows away from the Shirogane Onsen area. Tragically, four people lost their lives here during a volcanic mudflow caused by the 1926 eruption.

We arrived at Shirahige Falls, viewed from the Blue River Bridge. The sight of the water flowing into the Biei River is beautiful. I was surprised to learn that this spot marks the beginning of the Biei River’s blue color. On the day of our visit, the water appeared slightly greenish, likely due to turbidity from rain the day before.

In photos taken by Mr. Ogura, the river’s vivid blue color is captured much more clearly.

We then arrived at the Tokachidake Volcano Sabo Information Center, which provides extensive information on volcanic activity and related disasters. Built on higher ground, it can be reached by stairs from the Shirogane Onsen area and also serves as a temporary evacuation site.

Among the many exhibits, Mr. Ogura gave especially clear explanations about volcanic plumes from Mt. Tokachi and the rolling hills of Biei spreading out across its foothills.

A fantastical nighttime photo of the illuminated Blue Pond (photo by Nobuo Hanzawa) was also on display.

We arrived at Bogakudai Observatory. If the weather had been clearer, Mt. Tokachi would have been visible straight ahead. Even so, the scattered lava rocks vividly conveyed traces of past eruptions.

Nearby, there was a disaster-prevention shelter, an emergency refuge designed to protect people from volcanic rocks in the event of a sudden eruption.

We then reached an area upstream of Biei River No. 1 Check Dam, which is normally closed to the public. This steel slit-type dam is designed to reduce the force of debris flows and capture drifting trees.

Here, Mr. Ogura shared a surprising fact: during Typhoon-related heavy rains in 2016, which affected rivers such as the Tokachi and Sorachi, massive flooding in the Biei area generated large amounts of driftwood. This dam alone captured about 10,000 cubic meters of driftwood. The debris has since been removed, and the area is now clear.

Downstream of Biei River No. 1 Check Dam, we observed a powerful, dynamic flow. During the snowmelt season, water levels are high, but flowing water can be seen here throughout the year.

This is the walking path around the Shirogane Blue Pond. The pond lies to the right, surrounded by white birch trees, creating a wonderfully serene atmosphere.

The Blue Pond was formed when water accumulated behind a block-type check dam built to trap volcanic mudflows. Despite the previous day’s rain and cloudy weather, I was thrilled to finally see the Blue Pond up close.

 Including our guide, there were four participants on this tour. Along the way, Mr. Ogura shared many fascinating stories—far more than I can include here. I highly recommend joining the tour yourself to experience it fully.

Apply for the Infrastructure & Geo Tour (Biei Course): Click here

Shirogane Tourist Center (meeting point) – Map Code: 796 182 481*05