basic information

Lake Akan is a beautiful crater lake in Akan National Park. It is home to marimo, a very rare algae species, which forms itself into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan's marimo can reach the size of soccer balls. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

The lakeside hot spring resort of Akankohan is the only town around the lake. It has a few large and small ryokan, some of which have hot spring baths with fine views of the lake on their upper floors. If you don't stay at such a ryokan, you may be able to use their baths during daytime for typically 500-1000 Yen.

Sightseeing boats leave Akankohan for one hour tours of the lake, which include a stop at the Marimo Exhibition Center on one of the lake's islands and a ride into the more remote, narrow sections of the lake.

Ainu Kotan is a small Ainu village in Akankohan, which is basically a street lined by souvenir shops specialized in Ainu handicrafts. At the end of the street there is a small museum displaying traditional Ainu crafts, clothes and daily life utensils. Traditional Ainu performances are held in a hall next door.

At the towns eastern end, there are some nice walking trails through the forest and along the lake to bubbling mud pools known as bokke. The trails start next to the Akankohan Eco Museum Center (admission free), where you can get information on Akan National Park and its wildlife.

Sightseeing boat

Marimo algae

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how to get there

Akankohan is about 75 kilometers north of Kushiro. Akan Bus operates about 4-5 daily buses between Kushiro and Akankohan. Even fewer buses per day connect Akankohan with Lake Masshu, Kawayu and Abashiri.

By car, Akankohan is about 90 minutes from Kushiro and one hour from Lake Masshu, Kawayu and Lake Kussharo.

How to get to and around Akan National Park

travel community

Users who have been to Akan National Park: 55
Users who have been to Lake Akan: 44

1st of 4 most visited sights in Akan National Park.
208th of 450 most visited sights nationwide.

tours and packages

World Heritage Shiretoko & Eastern Hokkaido Tour A 4-day package tour that takes visitors to see some of Hokkaido's many natural treasures.

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