This page explains how to reach the Blue Pond and nearby spots from the Asahikawa area by public transportation. From Asahikawa to the Blue Pond, the only public option is a local bus.
Contents
Local bus timetable (as of November 2025)
There are four round-trip buses per day from Asahikawa to the Blue Pond operated by Dohoku Bus. While the frequency is limited, services are spread across the morning, midday, and late afternoon. It’s best to plan your schedule in advance according to the timetable.
Asahikawa → Blue Pond (Dohoku Bus Routes 39/42)
| Bus No. | Dep. Asahikawa Sta. | Arr. Shirogane Blue Pond |
| 39 | 7:20 | 8:36 |
| 39 | 9:40 | 10:56 |
| 39 | 11:00 | 12:16 |
| 39 | 14:55 | 16:11 |
Asahikawa bus stop location (Stop No. 11)
Blue Pond → Biei Station → Asahikawa Station (Dohoku Bus Routes 39/42)
| Bus No. | Dep. Shirogane Blue Pond | Arr. Biei Sta. | Arr. Asahikawa Sta. |
| 39 | 9:19 | 9:44 | – |
| 42 | 10:05 | 10:30 | 11:27 |
| 39 | 11:49 | 12:14 | – |
| 42 | 12:05 | 12:30 | 13:27 |
| 39 | 13:19 | 13:44 | – |
| 42 | 14:45 | 15:10 | 16:07 |
| 39 | 15:49 | 16:14 | – |
| 42 | 16:54 | 17:19 | – |
Blue Pond bus stop location
Blue Pond “pinpoint” course
Starting from Asahikawa, this course is for visitors who want to see just the Blue Pond quickly. Including travel time, the on-site visit typically takes about 30–60 minutes.
Please note there are no full-meal restaurants at the Blue Pond. Plan to eat beforehand, or have your meal around Biei Station or back in Asahikawa.
Suggested schedule
Total time: approx. 4 hours
09:40 Depart Asahikawa Station
10:56 Arrive Blue Pond
Blue Pond visit ~1 hour
12:05 Depart Blue Pond
13:27 Arrive Asahikawa Station
Blue Pond + Shirahige Falls + Onsen course
Starting from Asahikawa, this plan lets you enjoy both the Blue Pond and the Shirogane Onsen area. If you’ve come all the way out to the Pond, this adds nearby highlights.
Suggested schedule
Total time: approx. 6.5 hours
09:40 Depart Asahikawa Station
10:56 Arrive Blue Pond
Blue Pond visit ~30 min
11:27 Depart Blue Pond
11:37 Shirogane Onsen
Shirahige Falls visit ~15 min
Hotel Park Hills lunch ~1 hour
Shirogane Onsen bath ~1 hour
14:40 Depart Shirogane Onsen
16:07 Arrive Asahikawa Station
Blue Pond + Biei town stroll
This plan combines the Blue Pond with a stroll around Biei town—ideal if you want to enjoy shopping at the roadside station and sample local bites.
Suggested schedule
Total time: approx. 5 hours
09:40 Depart Asahikawa Station
10:56 Arrive Blue Pond
Blue Pond visit ~50 min
11:49 Depart Blue Pond
12:14 Arrive Biei Station
Lunch & shopping ~1.5 hours
13:59 Depart Biei Station (JR)
14:33 Arrive Asahikawa Station
Self-audio guide “BIEI STORY GUIDE”
Why did the “Blue Pond” come into being?
Why is Biei called the “Town of Hills”?
Want to learn the deeper stories behind the scenery?
With BIEI STORY GUIDE, you can explore Biei at your own pace using your smartphone. It’s a self-guided audio service that helps you understand the place more deeply as you go.
Recommended for:
・Travelers who want the story behind the landscape
・Those who wish to understand how the land was formed, not just take photos
・Pre-trip learners who want to get more out of the visit
・People who prefer a flexible, self-paced experience to guided tours
・Anyone who wants to learn about Biei even if they can’t visit
For details, please see the service overview.