Hokkaido is said to be another “country” in itself. This northern tip of Japan is the country’s second largest island, and only became a full prefecture in 1947. While the capital, Sapporo, is perhaps the busiest destination, the eastern Kushiro region is full of national parks, wildlife, a huge seafood market and home to the indigenous Ainu culture.
Akan town in Kushiro is a quiet community surrounded by flatlands and forested mountains. Lake Akan or Akanko is a spectacular crater lake in Akan National Park covering about 13 km2 with gorgeous lookout spots from Mount Oakan-dake, Mount Meakan-dake, and the colorful Lake Onneto. Akanko is famous for the habitat of Marimo, a rare type of spherically-shaped seaweed. The algae balls can only be viewed by taking a one-hour ferry to the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Chului Island or the Akan Lakeside Eco Museum Center. Sightseeing boat tours are the best way to explore the lake and the hot springs village.
Another site worth visiting is the huge Lake Mashu or Mashuko in Akan Mashu National Park. Like Akanko, it is also a crater lake formed by an active volcano. The walls of the surrounding crater are up to two hundred meters high, making the lake one of the most inland in Japan. Going up to the decks offers incredible views. You can also follow the hiking trail that passes through forests and meadows.
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