Kiyosato, Kiyoizumi
Kaminoko Pond Beneath the forest’s reflection, I can see farther down
At Kaminoko Pond, I’d like to look beneath the forest reflected on the surface. From the summer boardwalk, the shapes of trees submerged in blue water appear, making me reluctant to leave for a while.
A summer scene in July. On the woodland boardwalk, I’d like to take my time with the sunlit water and fallen trees.
SummerA July morning
A summer morning peering beneath the surface
One July morning, I reached the boardwalk at Kaminoko Pond. Walking with a mint long-sleeved shirt over a white top, I saw light filtering between the trees. It felt so different stepping into the cool forest after being in the car just moments earlier.
Stopping inside the railing, I could see a long tree in the water. At first I thought branches on the bank were reflected there, but as I looked, I recognised the shape of a fallen tree submerged beneath the surface. With my hands lightly together, I leaned a little forwards to watch.
Nearby trees reflected on the surface, and beneath them I could see blue water and the pond bottom. It was interesting how what I was looking at changed each time I moved my eyes. Before taking a photo, I wanted a good look at where the trunks crossed too.
Apparently the pond’s water stays at about 8°C throughout the year. Even without touching it, just watching from the boardwalk made me feel I’d visited a forest with cold spring water. As leaves moved and the light changed, the fallen tree I’d just seen looked different again.
Before heading back, I stopped once more and looked below the surface. Unlike a trip to see a big lake from far away, here it was fun finding small shapes close by. For my next meal, I’d like udon made from Kiyosato wheat, so I can get a taste of the town before leaving, too.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Udon made from Kiyosato wheat
The café at the town’s Kiyoru community facility serves udon made with Kiyosato-grown wheat. I’d like to pair a forest visit with a meal featuring the town’s wheat too.
Highlights
A pond so clear you can see the bottom
Fallen trees are visible in the clear water. At first I thought I was seeing branches reflected from the bank, but another look from the boardwalk revealed trees submerged below.
Forest light and the water’s surface
The look of the water changes with weather and light. I’d like to study both the places reflecting trees and those that appear blue.
Road and trip details
Kaminoko Pond — Kiyoizumi, Kiyosato
- By car from JR Midori Station
- About 30 minutes
- By car from Nakashibetsu Airport
- About 60 minutes
After a drive towards the forest, take a break on the boardwalk beside the pond.
The official guide estimates about 30 minutes by car from JR Midori Station and about 60 minutes from Nakashibetsu Airport. Once there, I’d like to leave the car and enjoy the pond view.
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