Had a day to spare in Furano after skiing for two days, so we decided to drive over to Biei and perhaps see what’s so fascinating about this Biei’s blue pond. Alas, it was frozen. Fortunately, we saw the sign board about the Shirage Waterfall and thought we might as well check it out then. Must say I got a little concerned when I saw signboard along the way warning of volcanic activities, volcanic shelters and mud slides. We nearly did not want to alight after seeing the bridge. Thought we had to walk on slippery ice and climb a mountain to view the waterfall. But it was just right there by the bridge. The waterfall is authentic and beautiful. Half of it still flowing while the other half is frozen into long huge icicles. The river below gives off a beautiful blue sheen, accompanied by the majestic trees covered in snow. You have to see it for yourself just how beautiful this place is. We didn’t climb the 268 steps to visit the volcanic shelter though. 😜