Overview
Lake Akan is a freshwater lake in northern Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido, lying entirely within Akan-Mashu National Park. It is famous for its marimo algae balls, a Special Natural Monument, and was designated a Ramsar wetland in 2005.
Highlights
- ●Home to marimo, a Special Natural Monument
- ●Landlocked himemasu salmon live here
- ●Freezes over for winter smelt fishing
- ●A centerpiece of Akan-Mashu National Park
History
Lake Akan is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in Hokkaido, surrounded by deep mixed forests of conifers and broadleaf trees where brown bears and Ezo deer roam. In November 2005 it was registered as a Ramsar wetland, with a listed area of 1,318 hectares.
Access
The lake lies in the city of Kushiro. Access is generally by public transport or car; please check maps and official sources for details.
Best season
Fresh greenery and autumn foliage make for pleasant lakeside walks. In winter the lake freezes over, allowing smelt fishing and snowmobiling on the ice.
Map
43.4517, 144.0986 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Take in the lake and surrounding forest from the shore
- 2Learn about marimo and himemasu at an exhibit
- 3Cruise the lake or follow a shoreline trail
- 4Rest in the hot-spring town on the south shore
Did you know?
💡 The name Akan is said to derive from the Ainu word akam, meaning wheel.
Nearby spots
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