These funny looking balls are Marimo and they are our new pet. Yes, we can actually say "pet" as they are living algae balls that will grow in size, if we take good care for them. In natural habitat, they can grow up to 30cm in diameter! (Let's see how big ours get^^)
But what's their "natural habitat"? This:
Marimo are unique to Lake Akan (阿寒湖), a stunning crater lake in Eastern Hokkaido. It's part of the Akan National Park and it surrounded by beautiful nature. There is a small walking trail, starting at an Inari shrine, leading through the forest, to a view spot and ends at bokke, mud ponds, just before the shore.
(Though if you go there around this season, it might be a good idea to have proper boots, as there is still a lot of snow left...)
There is a small onsen (hot spring) town at the lake shore that offers accommodation and information about the lake. Next to that, is the small Ainu village, Ainu Kotan, which is basically just a street with beautiful houses in Ainu style, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the end of the street you can find a small exhibition on Ainu culture.
By the way, Akan National Park is also home to two other magnificent lakes, we will tell you about in the next post ;)
Written by Irene
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