Lake Akan is one of the few lakes in Japan where marimo (a type of algae) can grow. Surrounding this lake, representative of eastern Hokkaido, not only is nature abundant, but the culture of the Ainu people, a part of Hokkaido, remains deeply rooted. For those who want to fully enjoy both nature and culture, and who want to experience 120% of Akan in a limited time, we will introduce a model itinerary of must-see spots in Lake Akan.

1. Basic information about Lake Akan

 1-1 What is Lake Akan?

Lake Akan was formed by a volcanic eruption. Surrounded by Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan, you can take a steamboat to see the marimo (a type of algae) that are designated as a special natural monument.

≪Basic Data≫

Lake Akan has a circumference of approximately 26 km and is 420 m above sea level. It takes just under an hour to circle Lake Akan by sightseeing boat.

There are four islands in the lake (Oshima, Kojima, Yaitai Island, and Chuurui Island).
Among these islands, Churui Island has a marimo (moss ball) exhibition and observation center, and is a stopover point for steamships.
Why do algae grow into round marimo in Lake Akan? It's because Lake Akan has coincidentally met a variety of conditions, including the lake's shape, the condition of its lakebed, the wave environment, and the diversity of its water sources. For more details, please visit the Exhibition and Observation Center.

Seasonal characteristics

The best time to visit Lake Akan is from summer to autumn. Although Japan is hot and humid in the summer, the area around Lake Akan is cool, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the nature while wearing a blouse.

After autumn passes, winter in Hokkaido, especially around Lake Akan, becomes extremely cold from November onwards. It's a tough time for those who aren't used to it. However, there are also things to enjoy that only winter can offer.

First, there's the scenery unique to cold regions, with the entire area covered in ice.

Unlike drift ice floating on the sea, the ice on Lake Akan is pure white and free of impurities.
We pitched our tent on the ice,An activity where you drill holes and fish for smelt..

And then there are the limited-time events. A prime example is the winter fireworks display launched over a frozen lake!

"Akan Lake Ice Festival ICE・Love・Akan "Winter Beauty"This is the event. In 2017, it was held from February 1st (Wed) to March 12th (Sun), 2017.

Only available in mid-to-late April, at the end of winterIcebreaker CruiseThere is also.

■ Akan Lake Tourism Association:http://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/

■ Akan Lake Sightseeing Cruise:http://www.akankisen.com/

1-2 Access

Lake Akan is located in Kushiro City, Hokkaido (within Akan National Park).

■ Access from the nearest airport/train station

・Memanbetsu Airport: Approximately 1 hour by car

・Kushiro Airport: Approximately 55 minutes by car

JR Kushiro Station: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car

JR Obihiro Station: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car

■Bus: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes by Akan Bus from JR Kushiro Station.

- Approximately 1 hour and 05 minutes by airport shuttle bus (Kushiro Airport ⇔ Lake Akan)

2. About the Lake Akan surrounding area

 2-1 Hot Spring Information

The area around Lake Akan is one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts. Located in a volcanic region, hot springs naturally flow, and the Lake Akan hot spring town awaits you on the southern shore. There are also free footbaths scattered throughout the town, so it's recommended to take a stroll and find your favorite. [Footbath Information]:http://akanko-spa.jp/akanmap.html

Also, something I'd really like you to see is the "Bokke" pictured above.
Around the lake, water at over 90°C gushes out from the mud. This is called a mud volcano, or "bokke," which in the old Ainu language means "to boil." If you listen carefully, you might hear the sound of the water bubbling up as if it's saying "bokke," "bokke."

The places where you can see them are the "Lake Path (approx. 1.5km)" and the "Forest Path (approx. 1.2km)" on the southern shore of Lake Akan. Even in winter, no snow remains around the Bokke. It's a spot you'll definitely want to visit at least once.

2-2 Ainu Theater "Ikor"

In the Akan Lake hot spring resort area, you'll be greeted by Hokkaido's largest Ainu kotan (Ainu village). At the Ainu Theater "Ikor," you can watch traditional Ainu dances. Ainu events are also held throughout the year, allowing you to learn about and experience Ainu culture firsthand.

[Facility Name] Akan Ainu Theater "Ikor"
[Location] 4-7-19 Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
[Official HP]http://www.akanainu.jp/

2-3 Akan Lake Eco-Museum Center

This facility provides information about the nature of Akan National Park. You can deepen your knowledge about the nature of Lake Akan while viewing the exhibits.

[Facility Name] Akan Lakeside Eco-Museum Center
[Location] 1-1-1 Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
[Official HP]http://business4.plala.or.jp/akan-eco/

3. A must-try when you visit Akan! A full-day itinerary.

For those staying at accommodations around Lake Akan, here are some recommended activities for those who want to enjoy the nature of Lake Akan from the morning and are looking for an active experience.

■ Unraveling the mystery of marimo!

This tour focuses on the marimo, the symbol of Lake Akan. Why do these large, round marimo exist in Lake Akan? Join our tour guide as we explore this mystery.
However, this is a limited-time tour. If you are interested, please check the schedule at the URL below.

Experience fee: 3900 yen
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
For reservations and details, please click here →https://kam-kankouken.jp/reservation/?m=pc&a=page_product_details&id=17

■Experience traditional culture at an Ainu village!

An Ainu Kotan is a settlement of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Japan. (Kotan means "settlement" in the Ainu language.)
Traditional buildings have been recreated, and the area is lined with shops selling Ainu folk crafts and restaurants.

First, let's learn about the Ainu way of life at a ponchise (small house) in an Ainu kotan (Ainu village). Next, we recommend experiencing Ainu culture. Traditional crafts you can try here include wood carving, embroidery, and making a mukkuri, a traditional musical instrument. Each course costs between 1000 and 1500 yen. Some activities require reservations, so it is recommended to inquire and confirm in advance.

■Refresh yourself from a full day of activity at Akan Lake Onsen!!

Why not enjoy the hot springs at accommodations that offer day-use bathing? The water quality of Akan Lake Onsen is a simple spring/hydrogen sulfide spring with a temperature of 38-85°C, and is said to be good for neuralgia, poor circulation, fatigue recovery, rheumatism, chronic digestive diseases, and hemorrhoids. How about refreshing your mind and body while enjoying the view of Lake Akan?

■ Participate in the Ainu Fire Festival (Iomante Fire Festival)!

The Ainu Theater Ikor, Japan's first indoor theater dedicated to Ainu culture, is another place you should definitely visit.
The "Iomante Fire Festival" seen here is one of the Ainu rituals. It is an ancient dance based on the Ezo fish owl, the guardian deity of the village. It is designated as an "Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property" of Japan and a "UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage."

Here, a unique dance is recreated around a fire. Tourists can even join in and dance along!

4. Climate

The coldest months are December to February. It's not uncommon for temperatures to be below freezing even during the day.
The minimum temperature will be below -10℃.

The wind is strong, and it snows, peaking in January, so thorough cold-weather gear is necessary. The highest temperature doesn't reach around 0-5°C until March.

Although it still snows in April, the ice on Lake Akan begins to break, and plants start to sprout.
On warmer days, the maximum temperature can rise above 10℃, but for someone unfamiliar with the area, it might still feel like winter.

In May and June, the average daytime temperature is around 10℃.
In June, the temperature can rise to nearly 20°C during the day, making a blouse comfortable enough.

Summer can be defined as July through September, with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 20°C.
However, rain will increase. Also, the minimum temperature will drop to around 10℃, so you will need to adjust your clothing accordingly.

In October, it hardly snows yet, but the minimum temperature starts to drop below 5℃.
Some people might need a coat even during the day.

In November, minimum temperatures consistently drop below freezing, and the first snow falls. A harsh yet beautiful winter will once again envelop Lake Akan.

5. Conclusion

I hope you've gotten a glimpse of Lake Akan's charm. Lake Akan presents a completely different appearance with each season. If you enjoyed your first visit, please come back in a different season.

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【Related article】
[Winter Stunning Scenery] Lake Akan - Frost Flowers | Ice flowers blooming in a paradise in the sky!
[Winter Lake Akan] Akan Crystal Road: A world of its own with 50 kilometers of frost-covered trees.
Ice fishing for smelt on Lake Akan in Hokkaido in the middle of winter, and then eating tempura made from it!
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