- Itinerary:Lake Akan
- Duration:3 days / 2 nights
- Price:From £0 per person (excluding flights)
Discover the fascinating natural wonders of Akan Mashu National Park entirely at your own pace. Amid deep-blue crater lakes, dense forests and the vast landscapes of Kushiro National Park, experience Hokkaido’s pristine beauty up close. A particular highlight is discovering Ainu culture, whose traditions offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Indigenous people. After days filled with memorable experiences, the welcoming hot spring town of Akanko is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on everything you’ve seen.
Day 1 – Welcome to Lake Akan
Travel time: approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on your departure point
Today you’ll drive your rental car to Akanko Onsen on Lake Akan, a peaceful spot in the national park of the same name. As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel the relaxed atmosphere of this region, known for its beautiful scenery and distinctive culture. The village itself is fairly simple and functional, but the surrounding forests, lakes and mountains are what make this place so appealing. You’ll stay overnight in a basic hotel. This afternoon, take your first stroll along the lakeside Bokke Nature Trail or explore the village. Be sure to stop by the small visitor centre, where you can find useful information about hiking trails and activities in the area.
For the evening, we recommend the Kamui Lumina light installation on the lakeshore. Here, you can discover the mysterious world of the Ainu. Through light, sound, and interactive elements, you follow the story of the Joy Bird, who delivers a message from the gods to preserve the balance of nature.
Day 2 – Ainu experience & time to explore on your own
Today, you’ll immerse yourself in the culture of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. Depending on availability and the time of year you visit, you’ll take part in an authentic cultural activity in or around the village of Ainu Kotan. On a guided forest walk, for example, you might discover the role nature plays in Ainu culture and learn more about their spiritual connection to forests and mountains. Prefer something hands-on? You could try traditional woodcarving or explore Ainu cuisine and their deep connection to nature. Whatever activity is planned, you’ll gain a unique insight into a culture closely intertwined with its natural surroundings.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Take a walk in the surrounding area or catch a boat to the Marimo Exhibition & Observation Center on Churi Island. Here you can learn all about the remarkable marimo, the rare green algae balls for which Lake Akan is famous.
You can also drive your rental car to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Japan’s largest wetland stretches like a green sea across the landscape of Hokkaido. Vast grasslands, slow-flowing rivers, and unspoiled nature define the scenery here. The national park is also home to the red-crowned crane. In summer, however, the birds retreat deeper into the wetlands, making sightings rare and requiring a little luck.
Day 3 – Depart from Lake Akan or extend your stay
After a few memorable days at Lake Akan, today you continue your journey in your rental car.
Tip: hiking around Lake Akan
Enjoy hiking? Then we recommend extending your stay in Akanko Onsen by an extra night. The local tourist office can provide a range of hiking maps and handy tips for routes in the area. You can choose from short, easy walks or more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. One of the most popular routes is the climb up Mount Oakan. From the trailhead, it is about 6.7 kilometres to the summit. Allow around six hours for the round trip. The trail initially leads through dense forest before rewarding you with spectacular views of Lake Akan and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Nature experiences & Ainu culture at Lake Akan - In style
- Price:
- Included:2 nights including breakfast and dinner and a one-on-one Ainu experience, 5 hours
For those looking for a little extra comfort and atmosphere, we recommend this version of the trip module. You'll stay in a comfortable, centrally located hotel, just a short distance from the lake.