Akan National Park, Hokkaido, Japan is the perfect hiking site; a wonderful active volcanic trip especially for you. Located in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, here you can be enchanted with clear lakes and virgin forests. Additionally, bubbling mudpools, and hot springs are waiting for you. For this reason, this fascinating volcanic landscape is a unique place that you must put on your list of places to visit.
Activity/Place Highlights
Akan National Park is all about water, some of it boiling hot; the park has three main crater lakes. However, these lakes are set among volcanic peaks, surrounded by swaths of Ezo pine and Sakhalin fir virgin forest. Furthermore, it’s home to brown bears and Ezo deer; the Steller’s sea-eagle and the rare Blakiston’s fish-owl visit often.
The Akan caldera
It is about 12 miles (19 km) across and dominates the western part of the park. Here, Lake Akan is famous for its marimo algae. These algae accumulate in green spheres that, after a few hundred years, can reach the size of soccer balls. In addition, cliffs surround the lake, and all around there are signs of volcanic activity.
Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan
From Akankohan Onsen, a hot springs resort near the Eco-Museum Center, a forest trail leads to bubbling mudpools or hokke. Moreover, hiking trails cross two volcanoes. Mount Oakan, or Male Mountain, on one side of the lake. The higher Mount Meakan, or Female Mountain, on the other. Meanwhile, Mount Meakan has a triple crater with two crater ponds, and emits sulfurous gases.
Crater lakes
The eastern part of the park has two crater lakes; Lake Kussharo is the largest in the park. It has hot springs and hot san baths along its shores. Additionally, lake Masshu is the most beautiful. Of course, if you can see it, since it is often hidden in a dense fog cloud. Furthermore, its deep blue waters are the clearest in the world.
How to get there
Flights from Tokyo (HND) to Kushiro city (KUH) take around 90 minutes. With infrequent buses and trains from Kushiro to the park, a rental car is recommended. Besides, the drive from Kushiro takes about an hour.
When to go
Summers are drier and cooler here than in the rest of Japan. For this reason, June, July, and August are ideal for hiking. The mountain trails are accessible from June through October. Nevertheless, during winter the snow covers them; winter temperatures can drop to -22°F (-30°C)
How long
A day is enough to visit this enthralling place and admire all its wonders.
Opening and Closing Hours
Akan-Mashu National Park, like all of Japan’s national parks, has no entrance fees. Besides that, there is no opening and closing hours. Moreover, a permit is not required to enter or stay in the park.
Planning
As it is a natural space, booking reservations are not necessary.
Inside Information
A convenient base for visitors is Kawayu Onsen, a hot springs resort near Lakes Masshu and Kussharo. The trails around Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan take about half a day each. And it is relatively easy-going, although you need to wear sturdy walking shoes. Check the status of the Meakan volcano before embarking on its hiking trail-it las erupted in 2006.
History
Along with Daisetsuzan National Park, these are the two oldest national parks in Hokkaidō. The park was established on December 4, 1934.
Websites
www.japan-guide.com
Other nearby attractions
Akan Sightseeing Cruise
The Akan Sightseeing Cruise travels around Lake Akan, famous for its marimo (ball-shaped green algae), from May to November.
Lake Akan-ko Ainu Kotan
About 120 Ainu people live on the banks of Lake Akan, the largest Ainu Kotan (Ainu settlement) in Hokkaido. At the Ainu Theater Ikoro, you can enjoy the ancient dance of the Ainu. Besides, it is designated as a National Important Intangible Ethnic Cultural Property.
Akankohan Eco-Museum Center
Akankohan Eco-Museum Center introduces you to the lush nature in the Akan National Park Akan area. Moreover, The Akan Marimo (round green algae) has been designated as a Special Natural Monument. Additionally, the resting room has a big fireplace and is good for a rest after walking around the lake.
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