Even in Japan, famous for its abundant nature, Lake Akan is renowned for its incredibly pure water. It is well-known in Japan for its marimo, or moss balls, which can only grow in cool, pure water. Compared even to the eastern part of Hokkaido(道東／doto), it is a sightseeing spot rich in nature.

Around this lake lies not only nature, but the remnants of the culture of the Ainu, an indigenous people who lived in the area.
This is a charming place, where you can have your fill of hundreds of years of nature and culture. In this article, we will be introducing sightseeing spots around Lake Akan that you should absolutely visit in however much time you have here.

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Which of Hokkaido’s lakes is the most beautiful?
If you asked this question, one name would surely be given to you. Lake Mashu.

It holds a sublime beauty which instills awe in people. So much so, that the indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu, called it the Kamuy-to (Lake of the Gods). Lake Mashu is at its most radiant in the season when it is almost frozen over.

The season when Lake Mashu starts to freeze over comes every year from the last third of January to around the 20th of February.
It’s especially beautiful while the freezing is still in process. The white ice makes the lake look much nicer, until its surface sparkles radiantly in sapphire blue.
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