Explore the stunning hidden gem of Kaminoko Pond in Kiyosato Town, Hokkaido! Unveil the secrets of its mysterious blue spring water, its connection to Lake Mashu, and transportation tips to plan your journey to Eastern Hokkaido.
Introduction
Deep within the vast land of Hokkaido, many astonishing natural wonders are hidden. Among them, Kaminoko Pond, located in the forest of Kiyosato Town in Eastern Hokkaido, has recently attracted increasing attention from travelers for its incredibly clear blue water and mystical atmosphere. This small and exquisite pond is like a blue sapphire dropped by God on earth, radiating a quiet and charming glow. Why is its water so blue? Why do the fallen trees submerged in the water remain unrotten for so long? And what mysterious connection does it have with the famous Lake Mashu? This article will take you on a journey to unveil the mystery of Kaminoko Pond, exploring its origin, its breathtaking beauty, precautions for visiting, and transportation methods, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of this hidden gem in Hokkaido.
Child of the God’s Lake: The Mysterious Origin and Legend of Kaminoko Pond
The spiritual name Kaminoko Pond itself holds a story related to the local Ainu culture and the surrounding natural environment.
Mysterious Connection with Lake Mashu
- Origin of “Kaminoko”: In the Ainu language, Lake Mashu, known for its mysterious mist and clear water, is called “Kamuito,” meaning “Lake of the Gods.” Legend has it that Kaminoko Pond was formed by the湧き水（underground spring water）from Lake Mashu (the God’s Lake), and thus is called “Kaminoko Pond,” meaning “Child of the God’s Lake” by the local people. This legend adds a strong mystical touch to the pond’s water.
- Secret of the Clear Spring Water: The groundwater from Lake Mashu is naturally filtered through layers of sand and gravel over a long period, making the water extremely pure and clear. This is the main reason why Kaminoko Pond has astonishing transparency and allows you to see through to the bottom at a glance. It is estimated that about 12,000 tons of groundwater flows out from the pond bottom every day.
Constant Low Temperature: The Secret of Still Time
- Around 8°C Year-Round: Another magical aspect of Kaminoko Pond is its water temperature. Since it is a groundwater spring, the water temperature is barely affected by the outside air temperature and remains at a low temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
- Mystery of Unrotten Fallen Trees: It is precisely because of this constant low temperature that the activity of microorganisms in the water is suppressed, preventing the fallen trees submerged in the pond bottom from rotting and decomposing. They remain clearly visible in the pond water, as if time has stood still, forming the unique and somewhat surreal landscape of Kaminoko Pond.
Gem-Like Azure: The Exquisite Scenery of Kaminoko Pond
Seeing Kaminoko Pond in person, you will surely be captivated by its indescribable color and clarity.
Why is the Pond Water So Blue?
There are various theories about the cause of Kaminoko Pond’s stunning blue color:
- Optical Properties of Water: Pure water itself absorbs red light and scatters blue light. The deeper and purer the water body, the more noticeable this blue hue becomes.
- High Transparency: The extremely high transparency allows light to penetrate to the bottom of the pond.
- White Pond Bottom: The white volcanic ash or gravel sediment at the bottom of the pond better reflects the blue spectrum of sunlight.
- Light and Weather: The color of the pond water changes with the weather, angle of light, and season, sometimes appearing as a clear sapphire blue, and sometimes leaning towards an emerald green with a hint of blue. Each viewing may offer a different feeling.
A Fantastical World Visible to the Bottom
- Astonishing Visibility: The pond water is extremely clear, with visibility extending to the bottom, which is about 5 meters deep. Submerged fallen trees, aquatic plants, and even swimming fish are clearly visible.
- Aquatic Life: Dolly Varden Char (オショロコマ): In the clear pond water, you can see the Dolly Varden char, a cold-water fish endemic to Hokkaido, swimming leisurely among the fallen trees. Their vibrant spots stand out against the azure water, adding a splash of life to this quiet space.
- Aquatic Plants: Cold-tolerant aquatic plants, such as water buttercups, also grow in the pond, blooming with small white flowers in the summer.
Exploring the Hidden Gem: Transportation, Best Timing, and Precautions
Kaminoko Pond is beautiful, but it is located in a remote area and requires some preparation to visit.
The Challenge of Reaching Kaminoko Pond: The Forest Road
- Main Transportation: Driving: The most common and almost the only way to get to Kaminoko Pond is by driving.
- Key Section: Gravel Forest Road: After turning off the main road connecting Lake Mashu and Kiyosato Town (Prefectural Road 1115), you need to drive on an unpaved gravel forest road for about 2 kilometers. This road is bumpy, narrow, and in some sections, it is difficult to pass oncoming vehicles, requiring very careful driving.
- Vehicle Recommendation: Regular cars can pass, but it is advisable to drive slowly. An SUV with higher ground clearance may be more suitable. The road may become muddier after rain.
- Winter Closure: This forest road is completely closed in winter due due to snow and is impassable. The closure period is usually from late November/early December to late April/early May of the following year (specific dates vary each year). Be sure to check if the road is open before you go. You can check with the Kiyosato Town Tourism Association or related road information websites.
Best Time to Visit
- Open Season (Approx. May – November): This is the only season when you can drive there yourself.
- Spring/Summer (June – August): With plenty of sunlight, the pond water usually appears in its most vibrant cobalt blue or emerald green, and the surroundings are lush with greenery.
- Autumn (September – October): The surrounding trees begin to change color, creating a beautiful contrast between the autumn leaves and the blue pond water.
- Time Suggestion: It is recommended to visit in the morning when the sunlight is good, as the color of the pond water will be more stunning under the light. In the afternoon or on cloudy days, the pond water color may appear darker.
Nearby Attractions
- Ura-Mashu Observatory: Located not far from Kaminoko Pond, it is another viewpoint for observing Lake Mashu. Compared to the First and Third Observatories, the elevation here is lower, making it less prone to fog and increasing the chances of seeing the actual Lake Mashu.
- Sakura-no-taki Waterfall: Located upstream of the nearby Shari River, you can see the spectacular sight of cherry salmon (Sakuramasu) leaping up the waterfall to spawn each year from June to August.
- Other Attractions in Kiyosato Town: You can also visit the Kiyosato potato shochu distillery and the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) in Kiyosato Town.
Precautions for Visiting
- Footwear: You need to walk on a short wooden boardwalk from the parking lot to the pond. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bear Warning: Hokkaido is home to brown bears. Please be aware of relevant warnings when entering mountainous areas and it is advisable to carry a bear bell. They may be available for rent at “Yama no Eki Takahara”.
- Mosquitoes and Insects: There are many mosquitoes and insects in the forest during the summer, so it is recommended to bring insect repellent.
- Environmental Protection: Kaminoko Pond is a precious natural environment. Please be sure to take your trash with you, do not feed the fish, and stay on the designated boardwalks to protect this beautiful hidden gem together.
- Mobile Signal: Mobile phone signal may be poor in the forest road and pond area.
- Facilities: There is a restroom available at the parking lot.
Conclusion
Kaminoko Pond, this mysterious body of water hidden deep in the forests of Hokkaido, attracts countless travelers with its incredibly clear azure blue and quiet atmosphere. It is not only a miracle nurtured by the groundwater of Lake Mashu but also a unique ecosystem that showcases vitality (Dolly Varden char swimming leisurely) and a scene where time seems to stand still (unrotten fallen trees). Although the journey there is somewhat challenging, requiring a bumpy forest road drive, when you witness the crystal-clear, gem-like blue water with your own eyes, all the hardship will become worthwhile. If you long to explore the mysteries of nature and seek that tranquility and感动 away from the hustle and bustle, then Kaminoko Pond is definitely a dreamlike hidden gem in your Eastern Hokkaido trip that you should not miss.
Are you also attracted by the mysterious blue of Kaminoko Pond? When are you planning to personally visit this “Child of the God’s Lake”? If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who also love exploring the hidden gems of Hokkaido!
