Photogenic spots of deep nature Lake Akan (#2 Mt. Hakuto)
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!
The ski area in lake Akan!
Kamuy Lumina which is held in the lake Akan area opens during the green season from spring to fall.
However, in winter, this area offers activities such as pont smelt ice fishing and banana boating on the frozen Lake Akan with Hokkaido's typical snowy scenery and extremely cold environment!
And if you drive about 5 minutes from the hot spring resort area, you can also find a ski resort!
The parking lot is in front of the nature house on the left side of the photo above.
Restaurants inside the nature house are open only in winter, so if you would like to have a meal, please return to the hot spring resort!
Pure white skis courses are nice, but slopes in green colors are also soothing!
There is a signboard that guides visitors to two observation decks near the nature house.
The one we will introduce in this article is the Mt. Hakuto-zan Observatory!
It is a light hiking course and will take about 2 hours (4km) round trip, but if you are short on time, we recommend you to go to the Akan Lakeside Observatory (about 15 minutes walk from the ski resort) for a great scenery of Lake Akan.
The entrance to Mt. Hakuto trail is located a short distance up the left side of the ski course, and while climbing the course, sometimes turn around and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Akan!
Hike up Mt. Hakuto to see the great view of lake Akan!
Mt. Hakuto is a 950-meter-high mountain located south of Lake Akan.
An observation deck is maintained near the summit, and it is possible to climb the mountain from the ski resort.
However, please note that the observatory is only available from spring to fall, so please be careful if you wish to climb the mountain in winter.
The trail to the observatory is very well maintained and very easy to walk.
It is also used for local school field trips, and even children can enjoy hiking it!
As you hike up, you may look at your feet sometimes and will see many pine cones!
In fact, these are the favorite food of the Ezo squirrels that also live in Lake Akan!
You are visiting their forest!
On the way to the observatory, you can enjoy the natural scenery of the Akan area, including a river with hot springs and a bokke (mud volcano), which is unique to the volcanic zone.
Hike for about an hour and suddenly a wooden observation deck appears.
That's right! This is the Mt. Hakuto-zan Observatory!
The area around the Hakutouzan Observatory is a fumarolic plateau with high geothermal heat, with no trees and a good north-facing view.
The magnificent panoramic view of Mt. Oakan and Lake Akan from the observatory are impressive.
The observatory is often used by locals as it is a great place to get exercise and enjoy the spectacular view!
You can also see the Lake Akan Onsen area.
The buildings are much smaller!
This makes you feel like you've made the climb!
This time, we introduced Mt. Hakuto-zan Observation Deck, a scenic spot where you can enjoy a bit of exercise!
Although the exercise is not strenuous, be sure to bring enough water and a bear bell.
Next time, we will introduce you to Soukodai and Sougakudai.
Enjoy a short drive from Lake Akan with spectacular views of Akan's forests and lakes. 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"!
阿寒湖森林夜行
郵遞區號085-0467
北海道釧路市阿寒町阿寒湖溫泉1丁目5-20
