Akan National Park is a marvelous place to explore! Designated in 1934 it is (with Daisetsuzan) the oldest National Park in Hokkaido, and rather big too. It covers 905 km2 of thick forest, mountains, volcanoes and lakes - the most famous being Lake Akan (Akan-ko), Lake Masshu (Masshu-ko) and Lake Kussharo (Kussharoko).
Lake Akan is famous for it's Marimo and the biggest population of Ainu, living in Ainukotoan, a small village next to the lake. We told you about it in our last blog entry.
The most famous lake in the National Park is the caldera lake Mashu-ko. It is one of the deepest lakes in the country and one of the clearest in the world. Often covered in fog, Mashu-ko, it's considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful lake. When we were there though, it was totally clear!
With a circumference of 57km, Masshu-ko is the biggest lake of the area. It is popular for fishing, kayaking, cycling and onsen. You can even make your own little hot bath by digging a hole into the sand at the lake shore!
At the Southern end of the lake, the Wakoto peninsula offers a very nice outdoor onsen and a walking train around the peninsula. Halfway through the walking trail you will see the steam rising up from the shore of the lake, as there are some sulfurous vents at the tip of the peninsula.
A lot more steam can be seen at Iozan, which translates to "Sulfur-mountain".This active volcano is located just outside of the mall town Kawayu-Onsen. A beautiful 2,5km walking trail connects the onsen town with the volcano.
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To explore the National Park, it's best to have your own four wheels. The lakes and Kawayu-Onsen can be reached by public transport, but there is so much more to see! My advice: rent a car and take your time to explore this magnificent place!
Written by Irene
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