Lake Akan (Akanko)

What to know

Lake Akan (Akanko) is a stunning crater lake located in Akan Mashu National Park. It is famous for marimo, a rare type of algae that naturally forms into beautiful green spheres. Over centuries, these marimo can grow as large as soccer balls, and they have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

The only town around the lake is the hot spring resort of Akankohan, which features several ryokan (traditional inns). Many of these offer hot spring baths with lake views from their upper floors, and some allow day visitors to use their baths for a fee of 500–1500 yen.

At the eastern end of town, walking trails lead through the forest and along the lake to bubbling mud pools called bokke. The trails start near the Akankohan Visitor Center, where you can get information about Akan Mashu National Park and its wildlife.

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

Sightseeing boats depart from Akankohan for 85-minute cruises around the lake, including 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 is still active and provides some of Japan's best volcanic scenery via multiple hiking trails. Oakan has a single trail starting from the eastern end of Lake Akan. Hiking either mountain takes about half a day; they are not particularly difficult but sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.