Lake Akan (Akanko)

What to know

Lake Akan (Akanko) is a stunning crater lake located within Akan Mashu National Park. It is renowned for its marimo, a rare form of algae that naturally grows into beautiful green spheres. Over centuries, these marimo can reach the size of soccer balls, and they have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

The only settlement around the lake is the hot spring resort town of Akankohan. It features several ryokan, many offering hot spring baths with lake views from their upper floors. Some hotels allow day visitors to use their baths for around 500 to 1500 yen.

At the eastern end of town, walking trails lead through the forest and along the lakeshore to bubbling mud pools known as bokke. These trails start near the Akankohan Visitor Center, which provides information about Akan Mashu National Park and its wildlife.

Ainu Kotan is a small Ainu village in Akankohan, consisting mainly of a street lined with souvenir shops selling Ainu handicrafts. At the end of the street is the Onne Cise museum, dedicated to Ainu art and tradition, where visitors can also participate in cultural experiences. Next door is the Ikor theater, which hosts daytime and evening Ainu performances most days for 1500 to 2200 yen (winter weekdays: evenings only).

Sightseeing boats depart from Akankohan for 85-minute cruises around the lake. These include a stop at the Marimo Exhibition Center on one of the islands and a journey into the more remote parts of the lake.

Two mountains near Lake Akan enhance the scenery and offer longer hiking routes. Oakan (Male Mountain) and Meakan (Female Mountain) are both volcanoes whose eruptions shaped the landscape. Meakan remains active and provides some of Japan's best volcanic scenery via multiple trails. Oakan has a single trail starting from the eastern end of Lake Akan. Hiking either mountain takes about half a day; they are moderately challenging but require sturdy hiking shoes.