Lake Akan
Sacred Waters of Marimo and Ainu Culture
Lake Akan (Akan-ko) is a volcanic caldera lake formed approximately 150,000 years ago through volcanic activity in eastern Hokkaido. The lake sits at 420 meters elevation, surrounded by active volcanic peaks including Mt. Oakan (Male Mountain) and Mt. Meakan (Female Mountain). For the indigenous Ainu people, Lake Akan holds deep spiritual significance as a sacred landscape where kamuy (spirits) dwell in the mountains, forests, and waters.
The lake gained worldwide scientific recognition for its marimo - rare spherical colonies of green algae that grow naturally in only a few lakes worldwide. Lake Akan hosts the largest and most perfectly spherical marimo, some reaching 30cm diameter and taking hundreds of years to form. These unique organisms were designated as Special Natural Monuments in 1921, making Lake Akan their primary protected habitat. The Ainu people consider marimo sacred, calling them 'torasanpe' (lake goblins).
The lakeside Akankohan Onsen hot spring town developed in the early 20th century as tourists discovered the region's natural beauty and therapeutic waters. The town has maintained strong Ainu cultural presence - one of the few places in Hokkaido where traditional Ainu culture remains vibrant and accessible to visitors. Akan Ainu Kotan (village) preserves traditional crafts, performances, and spiritual practices, creating a living connection to indigenous heritage alongside the lake's natural wonders.
Key Highlights
- Rare marimo moss ball habitat
- Sacred Ainu cultural landscape
- Volcanic caldera lake surrounded by peaks
- Traditional hot spring resort town
- Ainu cultural village and performances
- Winter ice activities and festivals
Access Information
Location
Akancho Akankoonsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • No direct train service - bus or car required
- • Nearest major station: Kushiro Station (1.5 hours by bus)
Opening Hours
Lake accessible 24/7. Facilities and attractions have varying hours
Admission Fee
Lake access free. Individual attractions and onsen vary (¥1,000-2,500 typical)
How to Get There
From Kushiro Station
Akan Bus from Kushiro to Akanko Onsen
2 hours
From Kushiro Airport
Direct bus to Akanko Onsen (limited service)
70 minutes
From Memanbetsu Airport
Bus or rental car to lake area
90 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) offers pleasant weather, hiking, and sightseeing cruises. Autumn (September-October) brings spectacular fall foliage. Winter (January-March) features ice festivals and frozen lake activities. Spring less crowded. Plan 2-3 days to fully experience lake and surrounding area.
Lake Cruise
Sightseeing boats (¥2,000, 85 minutes) cruise to Churui Island with marimo exhibition center. Learn about rare moss balls and see preserved specimens. Cruises operate late April-early November. Best way to appreciate lake's size and volcanic landscape. Some cruises include Ainu storytelling.
Marimo Moss Balls
Visit Marimo Exhibition Center on Churui Island (accessible by cruise) to see and learn about these unique organisms. Real marimo take decades to form perfectly round shapes. Small artificial marimo sold as souvenirs, but wild collection prohibited. Symbol of Lake Akan.
Ainu Cultural Experience
Explore Ainu Kotan village with traditional shops, museums, and performances. Akan Yukar-no-Sato offers authentic dance and music (¥1,500). Browse handcrafted woodcarvings and textiles. Learn about Ainu cosmology and relationship with nature. Respectful cultural engagement encouraged.
Hot Spring Bathing
Numerous hotels offer day-use bathing (¥1,000-2,500). Waters contain sulfur and minerals. Some baths have lake views. Try traditional ryokan experience with kaiseki dinner. Bokke Nature Trail features wild hot spring vents and mud pots. Relaxing after hiking or sightseeing.
Hiking Opportunities
Mt. Oakan trail (3-4 hours round trip) offers panoramic views of three lakes. Mt. Meakan (6-8 hours) for experienced hikers leads to active volcanic peak. Bokke Trail (easy 1km boardwalk) shows geothermal features. Best hiking June-October. Check conditions before attempting mountain trails.
Winter Activities
Lake freezes January-March enabling ice activities: ice fishing (wakasagi), snowmobiling, skating. Akan Ice Festival (February) features ice sculptures and fireworks. Dress warmly - temperatures -15°C to -25°C. Many hotels offer winter activity packages. Magical snowy landscape.
Accommodation
Akanko Onsen town offers traditional ryokan to modern hotels. Book ahead especially summer and winter peak. Many include onsen access and meals. Tsuruga Group properties highly rated. Budget options limited. Staying overnight allows morning lake views and evening Ainu performances.
FAQ
What makes Lake Akan special?
Lake Akan is a volcanic caldera lake in eastern Hokkaido, famous for marimo (rare spherical algae balls), hot spring resorts, Ainu cultural experiences, and stunning natural scenery surrounded by volcanic peaks. The lake combines pristine wilderness with excellent tourism infrastructure, making it one of Hokkaido's premier nature destinations with unique cultural and ecological significance.
What are marimo and where can I see them?
Marimo are rare, spherical green algae formations that naturally grow only in a few locations worldwide, with Lake Akan being the most famous habitat. These velvet-like balls can take decades to grow to softball size. See living marimo at the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island, accessible by tour boat. Small marimo are sold as souvenirs throughout Akan.
How do I get to Lake Akan?
By bus from Kushiro Airport (1 hour, around 2,700 yen) or Kushiro Station (2 hours). From Memanbetsu Airport, buses take 1.5 hours. By car, it's a scenic 1-hour drive from Kushiro. Tour buses from various Hokkaido cities visit Lake Akan as part of multi-day itineraries. The lake area is compact and walkable once you arrive.
What can I do at Lake Akan Onsen village?
Akan Onsen is a hot spring resort town on the lake shore offering traditional ryokan stays, public hot spring baths, lakeside walking paths, boat tours, Ainu cultural village (Ainu Kotan), restaurants serving local cuisine, souvenir shops, and evening Ainu cultural performances. The compact village is perfect for relaxed exploration and traditional Japanese resort experiences.
What is Ainu Kotan and what can I experience there?
Ainu Kotan is a recreated Ainu village showcasing indigenous Ainu culture through traditional houses, craft workshops selling wood carvings and embroidery, and the Akanko Ainu Theater Ikor presenting traditional dance and music performances. This cultural quarter offers authentic insights into Ainu heritage, making Lake Akan unique among Japan's tourist destinations for indigenous cultural immersion.
What are the best activities at Lake Akan?
Popular activities include sightseeing boat cruises to Churui Island, hot spring bathing at ryokans or public baths, hiking Mount Oakan or Mount Meakan (volcanic peaks with spectacular views), winter ice fishing, cultural experiences at Ainu Kotan, lakeside walks, and photography. Winter brings ice festivals and snow activities. The lake offers year-round outdoor recreation.
What is the best season to visit Lake Akan?
Each season offers unique appeal. Summer (June-August) features pleasant weather, hiking, and boat tours. Autumn (late September-October) brings spectacular foliage around the lake. Winter (December-February) offers frozen lake activities, ice festivals, and snow-covered scenery, though very cold. Spring (April-May) is quieter with lingering snow. Summer and autumn are most popular for their weather and scenery.
Can I hike the mountains around Lake Akan?
Yes! Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan are both hikeable volcanic peaks offering rewarding climbs. Mount Oakan (1,370m) is moderate with a 5-6 hour round trip. Mount Meakan (1,499m) is more challenging, taking 6-7 hours. Both offer crater views, alpine scenery, and panoramas of the lake region. Trails are typically accessible June-October. Proper hiking gear and preparation are essential.
How long should I stay at Lake Akan?
Most visitors stay 1-2 nights at a hot spring ryokan, allowing time for boat tours, Ainu cultural experiences, hot spring bathing, and leisurely exploration. Day visitors can see major attractions in 4-5 hours. Adding hiking requires extra time. The relaxed onsen atmosphere and beautiful setting encourage multi-night stays for full immersion in the resort experience.
What ryokan or hotels should I stay at?
Lake Akan has numerous hot spring ryokan ranging from traditional to modern luxury. Popular options include Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga (upscale with excellent facilities), Hotel Gozensui (lakeside location), and New Akan Hotel (classic hot spring hotel). Most ryokan offer kaiseki meals featuring local ingredients and natural hot spring baths. Booking well in advance is recommended for peak seasons.
What is the Ainu cultural performance like?
The evening performances at Akanko Ainu Theater Ikor feature traditional Ainu songs, dances, and instrumental music including the distinctive mukkuri (jaw harp). The hour-long show presents centuries-old traditions passed down through generations. Performances occur nightly and provide moving insights into Ainu spiritual and cultural heritage. English programs are available. Tickets are around 1,500-2,000 yen.
Can I take a boat tour on Lake Akan?
Yes, sightseeing boats operate daily (April-November) from Akan Onsen, making 85-minute tours around the lake with a stop at Churui Island to visit the Marimo Center. The boats provide scenic views of the volcanic mountains and forest-lined shores. Departures are frequent during summer but limited in shoulder seasons. Winter boat tours may operate during ice festival periods.
What can I eat at Lake Akan?
Local specialties include himemasu (kokanee salmon endemic to Lake Akan), venison and other game meats, mountain vegetables, and dairy products from eastern Hokkaido. Ryokan serve elaborate kaiseki dinners featuring these regional ingredients. Casual restaurants in Akan Onsen village offer ramen, grilled fish, and Hokkaido comfort foods. Don't miss trying fresh local fish dishes.
Is Lake Akan family-friendly?
Yes, the area suits families well. Children enjoy boat rides to see marimo, easy lakeside walks, Ainu cultural village exploration, and hot spring bathing. Winter ice activities are popular with kids. Many ryokan welcome families and have family rooms and baths. The compact village is stroller-friendly. However, serious hiking trails are better suited for older children and teens.
What is the weather like at Lake Akan?
Lake Akan experiences typical Hokkaido climate with cool summers (15-25°C/59-77°F in July-August) and very cold winters (-15 to -5°C/5-23°F in January-February). The lake freezes solid in winter, creating unique ice activities. Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant. Snow typically covers the ground November through April. Pack warm layers even in summer for cooler evenings.
Are there any festivals at Lake Akan?
The Lake Akan Ice Festival in winter (February-March) features ice sculptures, fireworks, and activities on the frozen lake including snowmobile rides and fishing. The Marimo Festival in October celebrates the iconic algae with Ainu ceremonies and lake activities. Cultural events at Ainu Kotan occur throughout the year, celebrating traditional Ainu customs and seasonal observances.
Can I fish in Lake Akan?
Yes, Lake Akan offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and himemasu (kokanee salmon). Summer boat fishing and shore fishing are popular. Winter brings ice fishing on the frozen lake, a unique Hokkaido experience. Fishing permits are required and available at local shops and accommodations. Regulations protect the lake's ecosystem, so check current rules before fishing.
What souvenirs should I buy at Lake Akan?
Popular souvenirs include marimo balls (in sealed containers with lake water), Ainu wood carvings and crafts from Ainu Kotan, local food products like himemasu, regional sake and spirits, Hokkaido sweets, and traditional Ainu embroidery. The Ainu Kotan shops offer authentic handmade items by local artisans, making meaningful and unique gifts.
What other attractions are near Lake Akan?
Nearby attractions include Lake Mashu (mystical crater lake, 1 hour), Lake Kussharo (larger caldera lake with hot springs, 1 hour), Kawayu Onsen (hot spring town), Kushiro Shitsugen National Park with red-crowned cranes (1 hour), and the Akan International Crane Center. The region is excellent for a multi-day eastern Hokkaido nature tour combining lakes, wildlife, and hot springs.
Why should I visit Lake Akan over other Hokkaido lakes?
Lake Akan uniquely combines natural beauty, rare marimo ecology, volcanic mountain scenery, excellent hot spring facilities, and authentic Ainu cultural experiences. While other Hokkaido lakes offer scenic beauty, Lake Akan's cultural dimension and tourism infrastructure make it accessible yet culturally rich. The combination of nature, culture, and comfort distinguishes it from other destinations.
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