If you love snow and travelling to Japan, Hokkaido offers some of the most stunning winter landscapes available. Hokkaido-based landscape photographer Toshiki Nakanishi shares three must-visit locations within 40 minutes’ drive of each other, along with some shooting and location tips. (Reported by: Toshiki Nakanishi, Digital Camera Magazine)
1. Shirogane Blue Pond (白金青い池)
A popular sightseeing spot that transforms completely in winter
EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 24mm/ Aperture-priority AE (f/4, 0.4 sec)/ ISO 800/ WB: 3700K
The Shirogane Blue Pond, with its stunning bright blue colour caused by natural minerals in the water, is a captivating photography spot throughout the year. In winter, snow covers the water surface and transforms the area into an enchanting, pristine white wonderland. When illuminated by the blue lights from the winter light-up, the view is nothing short of poetic.
Photography tip: Keep your eyes out for the best moment
The light-up features different lighting patterns that change throughout, so the snow field is not always illuminated. The changing lighting is a feast for the eyes, but keep your eyes peeled for when light falls on the snow! If you get the timing right, you’ll capture amazing light on both the snow and in the sky.
More about the place: Shirogane Blue Pond (“Aoi ike”)
Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
How to get there by public transport: Take the Shirogane Line Dohoku bus from the JR Asahikawa or JR Biei station. Check the official site for the most updated bus schedule.
Notes:
- Open throughout the year. However, operating hours apply for parking space.
- The blue pond might not be visible in the snow.
- The light-up programme may change depending on snowfall and pond ice conditions
Official sites:
- Biei Hokkaido Tourism Association: Shirogane Blue Pond
- On the Shirogane Blue Pond Lightup (in Japanese)
- JNTO Webpage
See other shots featuring the Shirogane Blue Pond in:
Stunning Summer Landscapes: Scenic Spots in Japan & Pro Photography Tips (2)
2 Picturesque Winter Scenes in Biei, Hokkaido (with Composition Tips)
2. Torinuma Park (鳥沼公園)
Air storm in the lake
EOS R/ RF28-70mm f/2L USM/ FL: 50mm/ Aperture-priority AE (f/11, 1/800 sec)/ ISO 200/ WB: 5000K
Frost smoke is the fog that forms over water bodies in winter due to the temperature difference between the cooler air and warmer water surface. In Japanese, it’s known as ke-arashi, or air storm.
The lake in Torinuma Park has been gaining popularity as one of the most beautiful places to see this. As the water in it originates from ever-moving underground springs, it doesn’t freeze even on the coldest days when temperatures can fall to -20°C to -30°C, making it a prime spot for the frost smoke to form on frigid winter mornings. When the vapour condenses, it freezes in the sub-zero temperatures, coating the trees in a layer of ice crystals (hoar frost, also known as rime ice).
It’s fascinating to watch the frost smoke seem to come alive moving around the lake surface. It’s even more stunning when sunlight hits it from the right angles, so stay observant and look for the best angle!
Photography tips:
- For the best light, don’t go too soon after sunrise
The lake is in a forest surrounded by trees. If you go too early, the area will still be dark. Stay and wait until the morning sun is high enough to reach the lake (usually around 10am). Don’t go too late either—you won’t see much frost smoke after noon, so plan to finish shooting by then!
- It can get crowded
While this location isn’t very well known to foreign tourists, it is increasingly popular with local photographers. The shooting spot isn’t very large and gets crowded especially on extremely cold sunny days when the conditions are ideal for frost smoke. Everyone wants to get a good shot, so be prepared to wait your turn, and let others have a turn too.
More about the place: Torinuma Park
Address: 1 Higashi Torinuma, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
How to get there by public transport:
Around 10 minutes’ bus ride from the JR Furano station. Take the Rokugou Line Bus. Alternatively, it's 5.7km away by taxi (approx. 1600 yen)
Notes:
- It’s also a prime spot for viewing autumn colours, as well as fireflies in summer.
- No toilets around.
Official sites:
- Furano Tourism Association: Torinuma Park
3. Rubeshibe Observabtion Point (瑠辺蘂展望スポット)
An off-the-beaten-track viewpoint to capture hoar frost glittering under the rising sun
EOS R5/ RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM/ FL: 135mm/ Aperture-priority AE (f/11, 1/2000 sec)/ ISO 400/ WB: 5200K
On fine windless mornings when it’s extremely cold, you might find trees enveloped in hoar frost. If you happen to be driving around Hokkaido, check out this roadside viewpoint along Hokkaido Road 580 (specific location below). For some reason, hoar frost seems to form more easily on the trees in this area, and the shooting spot’s high ground gives you a good view of them. If you go around sunrise, the frost in the trees will glitter in the backlight, making the landscape look even more magical. If conditions are right, you will see sun pillars too.
Photography tip: Take precautions against ghosting and flaring
Shooting into backlight increases the likelihood of ghosting and flaring. For cleaner, clearer backlit images, use a lens hood to reduce excess light that can cause flaring. If you can, pick an L-series lens as these are designed with special anti-reflective coatings.
Location tip: Park considerately
This shooting spot is on the road shoulder. It will most likely be the morning rush hour at sunrise while you shoot, so make sure you don’t end up obstructing traffic. If it’s possible, park somewhere further away and walk to the spot.
More about the place: Rubeshibe Observation Spot
Address: Along Hokkaido Road 580. Rubeshibe, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0478
Coordinates: around 43.570891, 142.407650
For more winter photography spots elsewhere in Japan, see:
2 Mesmerising Winter Photography Spots in Hokkaido
Photographing Mount Fuji in Winter: Shooting Spots & Composition Tips
How I Nailed the Shot: Snow Monkeys Enjoying the Onsen
More tips and ideas on snowy day photography in:
3 Ways to Capture Compelling Images of Monochromatic Winter Scenes
2 Simple Photo Techniques to Get Creative with Snow
PL Filter Fun: Crazy-coloured Frost
How to Protect Your Camera for Cold Weather Photography
About the Author
A monthly magazine that believes that enjoyment of photography will increase the more one learns about camera functions. It delivers news on the latest cameras and features and regularly introduces various photography techniques.
Published by Impress Corporation
Born in 1971 in Osaka. After learning photography on his own, Nakanishi moved the base for his photography activities to the town of Biei located in Kamikawa-gun of Hokkaido. While capturing landscapes that focus on light, he also produces works that bring out the figurative beauty of nature. Head of PHOTO OFFICE atelier nipek.
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