Lake Akan (Akanko)

Lake Akan (ˆ¢Š¦ŒÎ, Akanko) is a beautiful crater lake in Akan Mashu National Park. It is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms itself into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan's marimo can reach the size of soccer balls. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

The lakeside hot spring resort of Akankohan is the only town around the lake. It has several ryokan, some of which have hot spring baths with views of the lake on their upper floors. Several hotels open their baths to non-guests during the day for typically 500-1500 yen.

At the town's eastern end, walking trails lead through the forest and along the lake to bubbling mud pools known as bokke. The trails start next to the Akankohan Eco Museum Center where information on Akan Mashu National Park and its wildlife is available.

Ainu Kotan is a small Ainu village in Akankohan, which consists mainly of one street lined by souvenir shops specializing in Ainu handicrafts. At the end of the street stands the "Onne cise" museum about Ainu art and tradition where it is also possible to participate in 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.

Sightseeing boats leave Akankohan for 85-minute cruises of the lake, which include a stop at the Marimo Exhibition Center on one of the lake's islands and a ride into the more remote sections of the lake.

Two mountains near Lake Akan compliment the scenery and offer some longer hiking courses. Oakan (Male Mountain) and Meakan (Female Mountain) are both volcanoes whose eruptions formed the landscape around Lake Akan. Meakan remains active and offers some of the best volcanic scenery in Japan from its multiple hiking trails. Oakan has just one trail that starts from the eastern end of Lake Akan. Hiking either mountain takes about half a day. They are not particularly difficult hikes, although sturdy hiking shoes are required.