Your browser does not support the running scripts and cannot obtain a great browsing experience. You can upgrade your browser or change your browser for a better experience.

Hokkaido Lake Akan Tourrs

Top Attractions in Japan 622
Hokkaido Lake Akan Tourrs

Looking for a tour to Lake Akan? It is a beautiful crater lake located in Akan Mashu National Park in Kushiro City, north of Hokkaido. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 6,000 years ago, the lake has a maximum water depth of 45 meters and the perimeter is about 25.9 kilometers. Inside the lake is a rare algae species called marimo, which forms itself into beautiful green balls that have become a National Special Natural Monument. If left alone for a few centuries, the marimo can reach the size of a soccer ball. Surrounding the lake are trees that grow naturally with the lakeside covered in dense forests.



What to See in Lake Akan
In each season, there are different activities offered at the lake. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking and a canoe ride, along with kokanee fishing. The event during summer is called the Summer Light of Hope allowing participants to write their wishes on marimo lanterns and float them out onto the lake. In the fall you can enjoy the fall foliage and the nature trails, with the beautiful autumn leaves. In the winter you can go smelt fishing and enjoy the beautiful views the lake has to offer during this time. Visitors can also enjoy the Akan Ice Festival event, watching fireworks in the sky above the frozen lake.



Lake Akan is also known for the hot-spring town Akankohan located around the lake. It is the only town around so it is full of hot-springs with breathtaking views of the lake provided for guests to enjoy. The atmosphere is quiet and the calming feeling of nature makes it a relaxing place. In addition to the forest and marimo, there are two mountains by the lake that add to the beauty. Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan are two volcanoes that formed Lake Akan with trails that guests are allowed to hike and explore. Oakan, also known as Male Mountain offers a trail from the eastern end of Lake Akan. Meakan, also known as Female Mountain offers two trails from the west. Both hikes can take around half a day each and can only be accessed between June to October.



How to Get to Lake Akan
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Entrance Ticket: Free (excluding boat cruise)
Address: Kussharoko, Teshikaga, Kawakami, Hokkaido
Duration: 2 hours

 

Lake Akan Tours

As a reliable Japan tour operator, we provide private limousine and tours to Lake Akan for international travelers. Whether you are looking for a short Lake Akan tour or a private chauffeur, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan small group tours and Japan Private Chauffeurs.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get to Lake Akan from Sapporo by public transportation?
    You can take the JR to Kushiro. At the Kushiro Station Bus Terminal, you can then take the Akan bus (reservation needed during winter) directly to Lake Akan.
  • Do you provide any day tour to Lake Akan from Sapporo?
    Yes, we can provide a day tour. However, because the schedule will be very rush, we recommend at least a tour for at least 2 days. We can arrange a driver who speaks simple English.
  • For the Hokkaido join-in tour, does the itinerary include a visit to Lake Akan?
    Our Hokkaido tour includes a visit to Lake Akan and a night of hotel staying by the lake. However, the Hokkaido tours are very limited during winter, so it is hard to see the winter of Lake Akan.
  • Are there any ice activities on Lake Akan?
    Ice fishing, skiing, snowmobile, ice skating, and other ice activities are available during winter.
  • What else to do other than ice activity near Lake Akan?
    Near Lake Akan, there is a village where aboriginal inhabitants still live. You can participate in some of the traditional events.
  • What are some recommended hotels near Lake Akan?
    Most of the hotels near Lake Akan belong to the Tsuruga Group. There are five in total, and among which Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza and Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga are highly recommended. Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza is well known for its superb service, while Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga is more popular with assorted room types and prices. If you would like a floor to ceiling window with a panoramic view of the lake, you can consider Ama no Za and Ao no Za.
  • Does taking sightseeing bus the offer similar experience as taking the Icebreaker Cruise?
    We recommend the Icebreaker cruise because drift ice usually cannot be seen very well from the bus. It takes about half an hour to get to the center of the sea to see the ice drift, thus the Icebreaker Cruise will offer a much better sightseeing experience.
Japan Office
USA Office
Japan Holiday