Lake Akan

Welcome to Lake Akan, a majestic body of water nestled within the Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido. This lake is a product of immense geological forces; it was formed nearly 170,000 years ago through repeated volcanic…

In the depths of winter, Lake Akan offers the surreal experience of walking directly over its frozen surface. As you step onto the ice, you are supported by a layer that is typically 30 centimeters thick, though local guides like…

If you are brave enough to venture onto the lake at 5:30 in the morning during mid-winter, you may witness one of nature's most delicate displays: Frost Flowers. These are not plants, but intricate ice crystals that form on the…

A short walk from the lake shore leads you into a forest trail where the ground begins to hiss and bubble. This is the Bokke, a name derived from the Ainu word 'Pofke,' meaning 'to boil.' Here, you can see 'mud volcanoes' where…

Lake Akan is home to the largest Ainu Kotan (village) in Hokkaido, inhabited by approximately 120 people across 36 residences. As you enter the village, you are greeted by a large wooden archway and numerous monuments of bears…

A sightseeing cruise across Lake Akan brings you to Churui Island, home to the Marimo Observation Center. Marimo, or Aegagropila linnaei, are a rare form of filamentous green algae that, due to the unique wave patterns and…

Perched on the slope of the Ainu Kotan is the Onne-chise, or 'Big House.' This museum functions as a repository for the material culture of the Ainu people. Inside, you will find an extensive collection of ceremonial items,…

As our tour of Lake Akan comes to a close, let us reflect on the remarkable synthesis of fire, ice, and human spirit that we have witnessed. We have walked on a frozen lake that sits atop an ancient caldera, seen 'flowers' made…