Contents
1.Basic Information
Lake Akan is one of Hokkaido’s beautiful lakes, registered as a Ramsar wetland site in 2005, and highly rated globally, including the highest rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
In the summer, you can canoe; in the fall, admire the autumn leaves; in the winter, enjoy smelt fishing or observe ice crystals “frost flowers.” Furthermore, there are hot springs by the lakeside, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
Marimo (Marimo)
Marimo is a species of green algae known for its spherical shape. This algae has thread-like shapes and attaches to rocks or artificial objects, or settles at the bottom of water bodies. The spherical Marimo, a unique shape formed by thread-like parts gathering and rotating at the water’s bottom, is designated as a Special Natural Monument in Japan, carefully preserved by locals since 1921.
Onneto (Onneto)
The lake’s color changes with the season, weather, and viewing angle, displaying various colors such as blue, emerald green, and dark blue. This has earned it the name “Five-Colored Pond.” Its name in the Ainu language means “old big pond.”
Akanko Ainu Kotan (Akanko ainukotan)
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and “Kotan” in Ainu means village. “Akanko Ainu Kotan” is the largest Ainu village in Hokkaido, with over 30 shops selling wood carvings and folk crafts. Visitors can watch traditional Ainu dances, buy exquisite wood-carved crafts, and enjoy unique Ainu cuisine.
2.Reviews
Lake Akan Hot Spring Town
The main street of Lake Akan’s hot spring town was nostalgic and beautiful, with the neon lights of the folk craft shops creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a magical store in a movie.
Onneto’s Autumn Leaves
The scenery of the surrounding mountains and Onneto offers a quiet and beautiful view. If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves, the afternoon, when the sun hits, is recommended, as the opposite shore appears dark and hard to see in the morning.
3.Local Food
4.Transportation Information
■From Kushiro Station to Akan Lake Bus Terminal: About 1 hour and 50 minutes
■From Kushiro Airport to Akan Lake Bus Terminal: About 65 minutes
Timetable & Fare (English, Simplified & Traditional Chinese support)
https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/airportliner/info/
5.Map Information
Lake Akan is a representative tourist spot in the northern part of Kushiro City in eastern Hokkaido and is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in Hokkaido. The entire area belongs to the national park, with Special Natural Monuments like Marimo and species such as Hime-Masu living there. In winter, the lake freezes, and you can enjoy winter sports like smelt fishing and skating, with various winter events also taking place. The lake’s surroundings are covered in deep forest, home to wild animals like brown bears and Ezo deer.
