the blue pond’s floating pillars • The famed Shirogane “blue pond” tourist attraction in Hokkaido, Japan, is lit up at night, lending a mysterious glow to the withered larch trees and glassy water ...

When much of Japan is blanketed in humidity and summer heat, Hokkaido steps in like a breath of fresh air. Literally. With its cool, dry climate and dramatic natural beauty, Japan’s northernmost ...