Autmn festivals in Lake Akan
#2 Marimo Festival(Part 2/2)
The autumn leaves are at their peak, and Lake Akan is a beautiful sight with red-yellow-brown colors shining between the evergreen trees.
Continuing from previous posts, we would like to introduce the "Marimo Festival" held at Lake Akan from October 8th to 10th.
▼Click here for the previous article
https://www.kamuylumina.jp/en/sp/enjoy/enjoy-4854/
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_3623-1-scaled.jpg)
This time, we would like to introduce the rituals and dances of the Ainu people during the Marimo Festival.
The people of the town live together and respect the rich nature that surrounds Marimo in Lake Akan.
In Lake Akan, we are often reminded that we humans are kept alive and protected by nature.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_3706-1-scaled.jpg)
Ritual to welcome Marimo
On the second night, a young Ainu man rides a Maruki-bune (Ainu's traditional dugout canoe) to the shore of Lake Akan to pick up Marimo.
When the Maruki-bune arrives at the lakeside, the marimo is handed over to the Ekashi (elder) of Lake Akan Ainu Kotan(village).
After welcoming Marimo safely, the torch march begins from the shores of Lake Akan to the Ainu Kotan.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_1328-1-scaled.jpg)
Torch march
Ainu people from all over Hokkaido with traditional kimonos holding torches slowly make their way through town to the Ainu Kotan, which is located about 3 kilometers from the shores of Lake Akan.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_1354-1-scaled.jpg)
The night is dyed orange by the flames of the torches.
The sight of people wearing traditional clothes with Ainu patterns walking through the main street is both solemn and warm.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_3540-1-scaled.jpg)
Ainu traditional dance performance
After safely arriving at the Ainu Kotan, Ainu traditional dance performance was held, with Ainu people from all over Hokkaido performing their respective regional dances in turn.
The stage and audience seats were filled with people of all ages and genders, and once the dancing began, the venue was filled with excitement.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_3665-1-scaled.jpg)
Even though the same program was performed in different regions, the atmosphere and tempo of the songs were different, and there were dances related to wildlife that were only found in that region.There were traditions that were passed down from generation to generation in each region.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_3647-1-scaled.jpg)
At the end, the sight of Ainu people from all regions forming a large circle and dancing as one is truly spectacular.
We can feel the joy and happiness spreading from the audience seats as I watched the people dancing happily.
![](/klwp/media/2023/10/IMG_1711-1-scaled.jpg)
Marimo Festival is held from October 8th to 10th every year.
If you are interested, please come and visit next year's Marimo Festival.
Kamuy Lumin Event 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.
↓ Follow Us ↓
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamuy_lumina/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akan.adventure/
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