Lake Akan

Lake Akan is a lake in Akan National Park in Kushiro City and is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in Hokkaido. Small and large islands can be seen on the lake, and it is famous for the legend of marimo (spherical moss). If you have ever received marimo as a Hokkaido souvenir, it may well have been associated with Lake Akan. Marimo are a type of algae and are designated as a Special Natural Monument, making them a signature local specialty and souvenir. A sightseeing cruise around the lake offers an approximately 80-minute trip and includes a stop at the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center located on the lake. If you visit Lake Akan, it is highly recommended to see the naturally large marimo specimens. The area also includes the Akan Lake hot spring town, and many visitors pair lake sightseeing with a hot spring stay. In the hot spring town, there is Hokkaido’s largest Ainu Kotan, where efforts are made to share and promote Ainu culture—another recommended stop. The lake is also known as a "holy site" for anglers. Access is by bus from Kushiro Station (about 130 minutes). Lake Akan is also considered a power spot, said to be healing due to its favorable feng shui location.