Some would argue that the first and only lake that got its own article on our travel blog is mind-blowing. But you can’t argue the magic of shimmering pools of clear mountain water.

The lack of Google search results for the Child of the God pond (or kamuito, the same in the rare Ainu language spoken in Hokkaido) is as good a reason as any to visit the beautiful, sparkling blue lake in Hokkaido. And Kaminokoike preaches transformation of nature during the sightseeing season from June until November with walks on forest trails that offer some of the most striking autumn foliages in the world.

Maybe the most characteristic feature of the lake is its glacial blue colour. Whatever the weather. Along the way on the 220-metre perimeter trail, you will also find impossibly clear waters. Here, the bowls are only five metres deep, teeming with Dolly Varden trout native to the northernmost main island.

Because of the cold temperature of the pond throughout the year, fallen tree branches and other organic matter in the still blue water never rot. So you can expect the natural counterpart of the lost city of Atlantis. And what adds to the allegory, some folks say the pond is connected underground to a larger Lake Mashu which feeds 12,000 tons of water to the Kaminoko lake every day.

Kaminoko lake is located deep in the eastern Hokkaido forests near Kiyosato town. If you need to know how to get to Kaminokoike, you can either open your preferred maps app or take the route 1115 Mashukoshari line to Nakashibetsu for around 25 kilometres. A signboard points to a forestry road that will lead you to your destination.

Hokkaido nature is very particular. It’s not all tame deer and cats you can hand feed like in many other cities of Japan. Instead, you encounter real brown bears. So, be on your toes at all times, unless you’re looking that authentic the-revenant-like bear wrestle.