Kamino-ko Pond is a remarkably clear pond in Kiyosato, eastern Hokkaido, famous for its vivid blue water and the mysterious sight of fallen trees preserved beneath the surface. Through the transparent water, the pond bottom can be seen at a depth of around 5 meters, appearing beautifully blue in the sunlight.
Fallen tree trunks lie submerged in the clear water as if they were fossils, remarkably well preserved without decaying. Swimming between the trunks are oshоrokoma, a native char species with distinctive reddish spots. The combination of blue water, submerged trees, and fish creates an almost otherworldly landscape.
Kamino-ko Pond has a circumference of approximately 220 meters and is exceptionally transparent, allowing visitors to see clearly all the way to the bottom. The water remains at around 8°C throughout the year, and the pond does not freeze even during Hokkaido’s severe winter.
There is no visible river flowing into the pond. Instead, approximately 12,000 tons of groundwater emerge from underground each day, continuously supplying the pond before its water eventually flows onward into a river.
The striking blue color of Kamino-ko Pond is the result of several natural factors working together. The water is exceptionally clear, and the pond is deep enough for sunlight to reach the bottom. At the same time, white volcanic ash accumulated on the pond floor reflects and scatters the light, enhancing the vivid blue appearance seen from above.
Depending on the weather and sunlight, the water can appear in shades ranging from deep blue to brilliant emerald blue. This extraordinary scenery has made Kamino-ko Pond a popular destination for photographers as well as a place regarded by many visitors as a power spot.
Kamino-ko Pond lies on the northern side of the outer rim surrounding Lake Mashu, one of Japan’s clearest lakes and renowned for its exceptionally high transparency. The pond’s name reflects a traditional belief about its connection with Lake Mashu.
The Ainu name for Lake Mashu is Kintan Kamuy To, meaning “Lake of the Mountain God.” Because people once believed that underground water flowing from Lake Mashu supplied the pond, it came to be known as Kamino-ko, meaning “the Child of the Gods.”
Later water-quality investigations, however, found that the pond’s actual water source is not Lake Mashu itself. Instead, rainfall that falls on the surrounding outer rim seeps underground and emerges as groundwater, forming the natural source of Kamino-ko Pond.
The pond’s beauty comes from its simplicity: clear blue water, pale volcanic sediment, ancient-looking submerged trees, and the small char swimming quietly between them. Rather than dramatic waterfalls or towering mountains, Kamino-ko Pond offers a more intimate encounter with Hokkaido’s natural environment.
The surrounding forest and changing light give the pond a different appearance depending on the season and weather. On a clear day, sunlight brings out the intense blue of the water, while the quiet forest setting adds to its mysterious atmosphere.
Kamino-ko Pond can be reached by car in approximately 20 minutes from Midori Station in Kiyosato. From central Kiyosato, follow Hokkaido Route 1115 toward Nakashibetsu for approximately 25 kilometers, then turn right at the sign for Kamino-ko Pond. From there, a forest road continues for roughly 2 kilometers to the pond.
The access road is narrow and is closed to medium- and large-sized vehicles. Until around late May, snow may cover the forest road and vehicle access can be restricted. During this period, visitors may need to walk approximately 4 kilometers round trip along the forest road from the main route. Snowshoe tours are also available during the snowy season.
Kamino-ko Pond is one of Hokkaido’s most captivating small-scale natural landscapes. Its extraordinary transparency, emerald-blue water, preserved fallen trees, and reddish-spotted oshorokoma create a scene unlike an ordinary pond.
For travelers exploring the Shiretoko and eastern Hokkaido region, Kamino-ko Pond offers a peaceful and mysterious experience where groundwater, volcanic geology, forest, and local Ainu traditions come together in a remarkably beautiful setting.
20 minutes drive from Kiyosato-cho Midori Station (From downtown Kiyosato Town, take Hokkaido Road No. 1115 Mashu-ko Shari Line toward Nakashibetsu Town in the Nemuro District, about 25 km, and turn right at the sign for Kaminoko-ike. From there, take the forest road for about 2 km to reach Kaminoko-ike Pond. Kaminoko-ike Forest Road is closed to medium and large-sized vehicles, and until late May, the road is covered with snow and closed to vehicles, so it is necessary to walk the 4 km round trip from the main road. (Snow tours with snowshoes and other equipment are also available.)