Lake Akan

4.3 (200)・Natural Feature・Establishment

Lake Akan, set in the stunning Akan National Park in Hokkaido, Japan, is a pristine freshwater lake that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and unique ecological features. This lake is especially renowned for its marimo, rare green algae balls that form naturally in its cold waters, making it one of the few places in the world where these intriguing organisms can be found.

The lake is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a cultural hub, offering a glimpse into the Ainu culture. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan, and around Lake Akan, visitors can explore Ainu Kotan, a village where the traditions and crafts of this culture are celebrated and preserved.

In addition to its cultural significance, Lake Akan is a hub of recreational activities. Whether it's boating in the summer, ice fishing in the winter, or soaking in the nearby hot springs, there's something for everyone. The lake's surroundings, with their lush forests and volcanic landscapes, provide ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Hours:

Accessible 24/7

Closed:

The lake area is always open

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

No entry fee for the lake area itself

The area

Address

Lake Akan, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

Top ways to experience Lake Akan

approx. 7-21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $197 /person

What other travelers are saying about Lake Akan

Enjoyed the natural hot springs water going into the lake. Friendly and helpful ladies at the store.

Connie Lum

Oct 8, 2024

A pretty lake where you can enjoy the lake view and walking along the hot spring street. Of course, the hot spring is totally worth it! In summer time, the sightseeing boat is available, and in winter time you may want to do fishing and ice activities.

Tim

Jan 12, 2019

We were here in June and the weather was perfect. Not seeing a lot of tourist this time around. We also took the cruise which took approximately an hour and you get to see the famous moss ball. A short trail near the lakeshore took you into the woods and a number of geothermal spots. Relax and enjoyable.

John Lau

Sep 11, 2019

Lake Akan was a really buzzing place with a lot of snowmobiles circling around (looked like locals were competing in some sort of race). It’s pretty interesting place but you’ll have to walk around 5min to get to this sign, worth! Can’t wait to be back in summer where the sign is probably in the middle of the melted lake?