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Lake Akan

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Lake Akan

East Hokkaido’s iconic tourist destination that is well-known for its Marimo moss balls.

4.18 6

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Lake Akan is Hokkaido's fifth largest freshwater lake and is known as a habitat for marimo moss balls. Marimo moss balls can be found in freshwater lakes all over the world, but the ones in Lake Akan have international significance due to their beautiful spherical shape with a diameter of more than 15 cm.

The marimo moss balls can be seen at the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island, and admission includes a 90-minute sightseeing cruise. You can admire the beautiful water and natural scenery while rocking on the boat, and in the evening, it blends with the light of the setting sun to create a spectacular view.

The area around Lake Akan is Akan-Mashu National Park, a spiritual site where you can walk and feel the mysterious nature that is unique to Hokkaido.

Highlights

  • This area is home to the Marimo, a species designated as a special natural monument.
  • The Lake Akan Exhibition and Observation Center can be visited by a sightseeing boat.
  • The area around Lake Akan is a national park.
  • The lake is also known as a spiritual site.

Photos

  • Lake Akan

    Lake Akan

  • Lake Akan at the foot of Mt. Oakan.

    Lake Akan at the foot of Mt. Oakan.

  • Large marimo moss balls

    Large marimo moss balls

Reviews

6

Some reviews are translated by AI.

  • mizuiro_lawson

    The water here is so clear and beautiful. You can't see the marimo from the lakeshore, though.

  • 宋美溫

    At Lake Akan, you can go canoeing or walk along the mud volcano trail to see volcanic scenery. There's also an Ainu village where you can check out traditional crafts and try authentic local food. The street is pretty short—just a 20-minute walk—but you'll find unique cafes and amazing handmade crafts. You can really enjoy the beautiful views and get a taste of Ainu culture here.

  • Chin Wei Liu

    Lake Akan in winter is amazing! I always tell people that for a honeymoon, you should pick a snowy country to really feel that 'growing old together' vibe. Hokkaido's Lake Akan is a great choice!

    Here are ten things you can do in Kushiro and Lake Akan during winter:
    1. Hot springs
    2. Snowshoeing in Kushiro Wetlands
    3. Ride the Kushiro Wetlands SL Winter Train
    4. Try 'Katte Don' (DIY seafood bowl)
    5. Ice skating
    6. Snowmobiling
    7. See beautiful red-crowned cranes
    8. Ski at Utara near Lake Akan
    There's so much more!
    The most fun is ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt) on the lake. If you don't catch any, the shop will even give you a plate of fried wakasagi to try!

  • 曾鏵慧

    In winter, you can go smelt fishing right on the lake, and there are shops nearby that will fry your catch for you. You can also ride a banana boat on the ice—super fun! The scenery around the lake is gorgeous in summer, too!

  • Ann Chan

    As soon as we arrived at the hotel, our guide told us to change clothes and get ready for some snow activities on the lake—snowmobiles, banana boats, ice fishing, and more. The area was so open that the wind made my ears hurt, but even though it was painful, we still had a blast.

Details

Name in Japanese
阿寒湖
Address
Akankoonsen, Akancho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Directions
From Kushiro Airport, take the Akan Bus for 80 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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