Photogenic spots of deep nature Lake Akan (#1 Io-zan river)
Kamuy Lumina is held at Lake Akan area in Akan-Mashu National Park, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido.
Surrounded by rich nature, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Akan, an unique green algae ball “Marimo” which lake Akan is their home.
And the mountains in Akan were selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan!
This week, we would like to introduce some spots where you can take your time and enjoy the spectacular view of this great nature!
Be sure to check them out if you are a photography enthusiast!
Fantastic spot to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Akan and Mt. Oakan
As you walk to the west side of Lake Akan Onsen Town, the scenery suddenly changes.
There are no buildings at the roadside and is flanked by deep forest on both sides.
In fact, this road is an early morning walking course for the locals!
The sign in the above photo is the signpost to our destination, "Io-zan River! If you drive a car, please turn left! (Head to Akankohan Skating Rink)
Keep moving forward, you will soon arrive to a bridge called "Fukujubashi Bridge", which is frequented not only by people but also by Ezo deer!
The reason for this is that they seem to come here to drink water from the river under the bridge!
There is a forest road near the Fukuju Bridge, so please proceed in that direction!
Since there is no signboard at the entrance, please be careful not to pass by!
After proceeding about 100 meters, you will escape from the forest road and the scenery will change completely again!
And the beautiful scenery of Lake Akan and Mt. Oakan appears directly in front of you!
A wooden signboard is also provided, perfect for a commemorative photo.
The water quality of Lake Akan is very good and clear.
Thanks to this, the unique green algae ball “Marimo” can live comfortably in the lake.
Also this is the reason why you can enjoy delicious native Japanese pike and pont smelt here in lake Akan.
Lake Akan and the Akan River are sacred places for fishing.
Some anglers have been able to catch rainbow trout, White-spotted char, and even the "phantom fish" Japanese huchen.
(Fishing in Lake Akan and some parts of the Akan River requires the purchase of a fishing permit ticket from the Akan Fishery Cooperative Association.)
On the right side of the Io-zan River, you can see a view of the Akan lakeside hotels.
It might be fun to play a game of guessing where you stayed!
On days when the temperature is low, you can see the steam from the hot springs rising high in the air.
The mountain in front of you is called Mt. Oakan.
Its elevation is 1,370 meters and is called "pinnesiri" (mountain of men) in the Ainu language.
During the fall season, many climbers climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy the autumn red leaves scenery.
And in fact, the foot of Mt. Oakan is a virgin forest.
The forest has been untouched by human activity for more than a few decades, and it is a pristine and untouched wilderness.
It is one of the most precious places in Japan.
In this article, we have introduced a spectacular view from the Io-zan River near the Lake Akanko Onsen Hot Spring Town!
This spot is located at a gravel road and the space is not too large.
So if you are driving, please be careful not to park your car in an inconvenient space.
Next time, we will introduce "Mt. Hakuto", a spot with a spectacular view that can be reached by hiking a little further up the mountain! Stay tuned!
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"!
AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK AT LAKE AKAN
〒085-0467
5-20, Akankoonsen 1-chome, Akancho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido, 085-0467, Japan
