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Akan-Mashu National Park

ADVENTUREin Akan-Mashu National Park

In the far northeast of Japan, Akan-Mashu is a wonderland of unspoiled nature, simply perfect for intrepid travelers. Its volcanic heritage has forged a landscape of steaming fumaroles, distinctive caldera lakes, and deep primeval forests. Opportunities for adventure are abundant, with endless ways to connect with nature and deepen your journey. From hiking through forests and mountains, to canoeing across lakes or cycling down caldera rims, Akan-Mashu has an ever-growing array of activities to entice you. The indigenous Ainu people gather around the lakes, preserving an ancient culture finally getting the recognition it deserves. Visitors can delve into layers of history and mystery at their lakeside settlements, through tours, activities, and traditional performances. And there’s plenty of space and calm here too. The tranquility of nature is complemented by a range of cozy accommodations and hot-spring spas, sky-high observatories and deep, quiet forest campsites. Connect deeply with our natural heritage here — your own way.

To enjoy the park safely, please follow local rules and guidelines at all times

Model CourseIn Akan-Mashu

Day 6

Kawayu Onsen and the Mashu Caldera

Hike around the rim of the Mashu Caldera above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mashu. Walk with a guide and you can hear stories of their Ainu ancestors and the mythology of the area. After hiking, visit Kawayu Eco-museum Center for more insight on the natural history of the region.

6-Day Example Schedule

Day 1Lake Akan and Akanko Onsen
Day 2Akanko Onsen and Hyoutan-numa Pond
Day 3Mt. Meakan and Akanko Onsen
Day 4Hikari-no-Mori, Lake Kussharo, and Kotan Onsen
Day 5Mt. Io (Atosa-nupuri), Kushiro River, and Kawayu Onsen
Day 6Kawayu Onsen and the Mashu Caldera

day1

Lake Akan and Akanko Onsen

Visit the Akankohan Eco-museum Center and learn about the interplay of nature and modern culture at Lake Akan; be sure to check out the famous marimo algae balls. In the evening, relax at Akanko Onsen enjoying delicious food, the hot spring baths, and the sunset view over Lake Akan.

Day 2

Akanko Onsen and Hyoutan-numa Pond

Start the day exploring around Akanko Onsen, perhaps with some fishing in the Akan River or Hyoutan-numa Pond. Then dive into the world of the indigenous Ainu through an immersive tour and theater visit, experiencing the culture with all your senses, through dance, music, forest trekking, and more.

Day 3

Mt. Meakan and Akanko Onsen

Climb up Mt. Meakan, an active volcano, and get a feel for the characteristic features of the park: volcanic peaks, caldera lakes, and primeval forests. After your descent, relax in the hot spring baths of Akanko Onsen.

Day 4

Hikari-no-Mori, Lake Kussharo, and Kotan Onsen

Take a guided walk around Hikari-no-Mori, the restricted-access “Forest of Light” near Lake Akan. In the afternoon, cycle to Lake Kussharo then relax in the Kotan-no-Yu open-air hot spring, and in the evening be enchanted by the sparkling starlit sky.

Day 5

Mt. Io (Atosa-nupuri), Kushiro River, and Kawayu Onsen

In the morning, hike up Mt. Io (Atosa-nupuri) with a certified guide, then head to the Kushiro River for canoeing in the afternoon. After a full day of adventure, relax and refresh in the thermal spring waters of Kawayu Onsen.

Day 6

Kawayu Onsen and the Mashu Caldera

Hike around the rim of the Mashu Caldera above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mashu. Walk with a guide and you can hear stories of their Ainu ancestors and the mythology of the area. After hiking, visit Kawayu Eco-museum Center for more insight on the natural history of the region.

6-Day Example Schedule

Day 1Lake Akan and Akanko Onsen
Day 2Akanko Onsen and Hyoutan-numa Pond
Day 3Mt. Meakan and Akanko Onsen
Day 4Hikari-no-Mori, Lake Kussharo, and Kotan Onsen
Day 5Mt. Io (Atosa-nupuri), Kushiro River, and Kawayu Onsen
Day 6Kawayu Onsen and the Mashu Caldera
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