Summer adventures in Lake Akan! #3 Forest Walking
Continuing from the previous article, here are some more activities to enjoy "midsummer" to the fullest at the Lake Akan in Akan-Mashu National Park, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, where "KAMUY LUMINA" is held! This time we will introduce you to a forest walk where you can enjoy the untouched nature of Akan with all your senses.
Check our previous article (Hiking)
Check our previous article (Cycling)
Walk inside the untouched Akan forest
On the east side of Lake Akan, there is a walking trail where you can enjoy the untouched nature and the forest of Akan! (Bokke Trail (abuot 1.5 km, 30-45 minutes). There are starting points and the most obvious of which are next to the Akankohan Eco Museum Center and next to the Akan Sightseeing Cruise Marimono-Sato pier!
Some of you may have noticed, this trail is actually the site of the "KAMUY LUMINA" event! "KAMUY LUMINA" is a nighttime walking event, but we hope you will also discover the lovely parts of walking in nature during the daytime!
Forest changes with the time of year. In spring, many Asian skunk-cabbage, which are characterized by their white color, grow, and in midsummer, the forest turns deep green.
A walk on a fine day will bring bright sunlight into the forest, creating a very stunning scenery.
Half of the trail walks along the shores of Lake Akan, and is so comfortable and cool even in mid-summer. And if you listen carefully, you will be soothed by the lake shore and the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. In fact, Lake Akan is known as "the place with the highest concentration of oxygen in Japan," and a walk in the forest may help you relax!
Feel the power of the volcanoes
“Bokke" comes from the Ainu language meaning "boiling place" and refers to the geological phenomenon "mud volcanoes”. The Lake Akan area is located in an active volcanic zone, which means that mud and volcanic gasses are spewing from the ground. Because of the high geothermal heat near Bokke, there is no snow in this area even though it is a heavy snowfall area. The smell emitted from the volcanic gasses is also very strong. Whenever you approach Bokke, you can feel with all your senses that you are entering a volcanic area.
Wildlife paradise
The Bokke Forest seems to have almost the same ecosystem as other Akan forests, and the plants and animals that inhabit it are very diversified. Also, because of the precious resources of this forest, a variety of creatures coexist in the same forest. For some birdwatchers, this forest is recognized as an easy spot to observe. Other common sightings include Ezo deer and the red fox!
If you want to enjoy Akan's untouched nature to the fullest, we highly recommend this walking course! Take your time to walk around and capture the cute animals of Akan!
Now, we have introduced three outdoor summer activities for you! Lake Akan has a long midwinter, and there are many things you can do only in summer! Why don't you all try them together with "KAMUY LUMINA"?
Ticket information
■Where can I buy tickets? How is the opening time?
Tickets are available at the official website, hotels around Lake Akan, "Kamuy Lumina" Ticket Booth, and designated travel agencies.
Fees: Adults (junior high school students and older)
Child (elementary school student)
*Preschool children or below are free of charge.
Official website (Ticket purchase page): https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=52386&ac=9000
Starting time changes depending on the sunset time. So be sure to check when planning your trip!
2024 season opening hours:
May 11 (Sat) - August 9 (Fri) 19:30 - 21:00
August 10 (Sat) - August 30 (Fri) 19:00 - 21:00
Asugust 31 (Sat) - September 13 (Friday) 18:30 - 21:30
September 15 (Sun) - September 30 (Mon) 18:00 - 21:30
October 1 (Tue) - November 3 (Sun) 17:30 - 21:00
November 4 (Mon) - November 9 (Sat) 17:30 - 20:30
This special website will provide information not only about "Kamuy Lumina", but also sightseeing information about the town, Lake Akan Onsen, where this event is held. Please check out the latest and seasonal recommendations here.
We will also announce the release of web articles on Facebook and Instagram.
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We hope to meet you soon at the event of "Kamuy Lumina"!
