The blue pond at Biei on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. The larch and silver birch trees within the pond were once living, but are no more - the pond itself was artificially formed years ago as a result of the creation of a dam to protect from the effects of the nearby volcano at Mt. Tokachi. While the work done on the Biei river may have had a negative impact on the trees themselves, the blue pond itself became a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors all year round. The site is illuminated at night, and the quietness on this chilly evening allowed me time to take in, and photograph, the beauty of the pond.