Biei's Blue Pond is lit until 21:00, with start times that change by month. Work out whether your New Chitose arrival time fits, and what winter snow really looks like.
If you land at New Chitose Airport in winter and want to see Biei's Blue Pond lit up that same evening, the question is simple: will you get there in time? The lighting hours change by month, and the whole drive is on snowy roads after dark, so it helps to work backwards from the switch-on time.
What the Blue Pond looks like in winter
Biei Town's lighting season for 2026–27 runs from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027, with the lights on until 21:00. The Biei Town page also notes that in winter the blue water surface cannot be seen because of snow. So the winter pond is a snowfield with lit trees, not the turquoise water in the usual photos. If the blue is what you want, come in another season; if a snowy night with lights appeals, winter is the right time.
Start times by month, and the landing time you need
According to the town, the lights come on at these times and stay on until 21:00:
| Month | Lights on from |
|---|---|
| October, November, January | 17:00 |
| December | 16:30 |
| February | 17:30 |
| March | 18:00 |
| April | 18:30 |
A private car from New Chitose to Furano takes roughly 2–2.5 hours in normal conditions. Biei lies north of Furano, so the actual time depends on traffic and any stops, and customer service will confirm it. Snow adds time, so treat the following as cautious guidance:
- To arrive early in the lighting window, aim to land around midday or early afternoon, leaving room for immigration, baggage and snowy roads.
- An evening landing can still work, since the lights run until 21:00, but your time at the pond will be short.
- Landing after about 19:00 usually means missing it; plan an overnight stop and go the next day.
If your flight may be delayed, give your flight number when booking and customer service will confirm the arrangement. For very late arrivals, see our guide to late-night arrivals at New Chitose.
Two things to know on site
The Biei Tourism Association's 2025–26 lighting notice warns that the path from the car park to the viewing spot is very dark. It recommends using a phone light or a small torch and taking care on the steps. The town also says that areas outside the viewing spot are dangerous and asks visitors not to enter them, especially the pond itself.
Lighting may also be suspended in severe weather, with a notice on the town website. If it is cancelled on a heavy-snow day after you have set out, the trip is wasted, so check before leaving and have a fallback, such as heading straight to your Furano hotel for dinner.
Where to sleep afterwards: Furano or Biei
The Blue Pond sits in Biei's Shirogane area, some distance from both Furano and Biei town. A common plan is to go straight from the airport to the pond, then on to a hotel in Furano or Biei. Our guide to getting from New Chitose to Furano and the Furano transfer page are good starting points, and all routes from the airport are listed under New Chitose transfers.
On price: Biei itself is not on our price list, so ask customer service for a quote. The reference starting price from New Chitose to Furano is ¥49,500 (reference starting price; the final amount is confirmed by customer service). If you want to stop at the pond for a while before continuing, mention it when booking and customer service will confirm the arrangement.
Once you know your landing time and party size, make your booking with your flight and destination, and customer service will confirm the route and quote.
FAQ
- What time does the Blue Pond illumination in Biei start?
- According to Biei Town, from 22 October 2026 to 21 April 2027 the lights stay on until 21:00. Start times are 17:00 in October, November and January, 16:30 in December, 17:30 in February, 18:00 in March and 18:30 in April. Check the town website for the latest notice.
- Can you still see the blue water of the Blue Pond in winter?
- No. Biei Town states that snow cover hides the blue water surface in winter, so what you see is snowy scenery and lighting. For the blue water, visit in a season without snow.
- Is the Blue Pond illumination cancelled in bad weather?
- It can be. Biei Town says the lighting may be suspended in severe weather and announces this on its website. Check the notice on the day before you set out.
- How much is a private car from New Chitose to Biei?
- Biei is not on our price list, so please ask customer service for a quote. For reference, the starting price from New Chitose to Furano is ¥49,500 (reference starting price; the final amount is confirmed by customer service).