Akan National Park

This small Ainu Village consists of a mainstreet lined with souvenir shops specializing in Ainu handicrafts. At the end of the street is a small museum with Ainu art and tradition as well as scheduled cultural experiences. Next door is the "Ikor" theater where various traditional Ainu performances are staged. Lastly, there is the Ainu Living Memorial Hall, an old Ainu house which displays traditional clothes and daily life utensils.

The national park features several marked trails that take visitors to various scenic points such as the summit of Mount Meakan, along the lakeshores, and through forests. Expect to see fantastic views of the various volcanoes and alpine meadows as you hike around the park. 

Lush forests surround the sapphire-blue Kaminokoike Pond. Although it is 5 meters deep, the water is so clear that you can see to the bottom. The water stays cold all year round, so submerged trees in the water do not rot. A promenade allows visitors to circle the pond and view it from up-close. 

Lake Akan is famous for its marimo, a rare algae that forms into ball shapes. Marimo are displayed year-round in the Akankohan Eco-museum Center. There are sightseeing boats that take visitors out onto the lake, including a  stop at the Marimo Exhibition Center on one of the lake’s islands and a ride into more remote sections of the lake. 

This caldera lake is considered one of the country’s most beautiful for its clarity and depth. Visitors are not allowed to go down to the lake, however there are two observation decks positioned around the rim of the caldera from where you can enjoy views. 

For visitors short on time or want to enjoy more of the park’s scenic sites in an easier fashion, there is a scenic drive path that takes you through the serene forests of Mashu and idyllic farmlands of Kiyosato. There’s also opportunity to take a tour of a shochu factory, visit Kaminkoike Pond, and visit the Ura-Mashu Observatory for spectacular views of Lake Mashu.