Time for good food in Akanko Onsen!
#3 Groumet Souvenir

Souvenirs related to Smelt(WAKASAGI)

We introduced the local smelt in previous post, but we can also bring them home!

The most popular one is the smelt boiled down in special sauce (so called "Tsukudani" in Japanese, traditional cuisine goes well with rice). The smelt fished and cooked on the same day using special sauce passed on from generation to generation. It is good with rice as well as side dish that goes with Japanese sake.

The smelt wrapped with kelp is also delicious with UMAMI(good taste) of kelp and the smelt bring taste of each other to the next level.

Writer's reccomended is the "smelt jerkey" which was recently developed and becoming popular. Smoky taste and its little crispy texture goes well when you are drinking.

Sweets related to MARIMO

Green and round shaped MARIMO, known as special natural monument of the nation, is one of the popular motif for sourveniors in lake Akan.

"Marimo Yokan(sweet bean jelly)" is long selling sweets, which most of the people who visited this area has tried at least once.

You use toothpick to take package off of the yokan. Make sure to focus on one point and pierce. Watch out for those very active Marimo trying to run away!

"Marimo 'cha'n" is japanese kelp tea with marimo shaped kelp in the tea. It is the best season to enjoy this type of hot and heartwarming tea.

"Shimpui" is jelly trying to resemble lake Akan and marimo, with taste of green apple. Fruit taste is very refreshing and is good for dessert after your meal. It tastes even better when it's cooled in the fridge.

Introduction to Lake lobster of Lake Akan

In addition to marimo and smelt, Lake Akan is home to an invasive species called the Uchida crayfish, which is native to North America.

The Uchida crayfish was first brought to Hokkaido in 1930, and in the 1980s it became conspicuous in Lake Akan and the Kushiro River.

There is a concern that the Uchida crayfish, which has a high appetite and reproductive ability, may affect the ecosystem if their numbers increase in large numbers, so efforts are being made to make them a new specialty at Lake Akan, known as "lake lobsters.''

The product that is currently being commercialized is "Lake Lobster Soup''. Some people may be a little hesitant to hear the word crayfish, but when you eat it, the taste is similar to that of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp.

You can eat the soup as it is, or you can use it as a secret ingredient in pasta sauce, risotto, or curry, so there are many ways to enjoy it.

Let's eat and support this wonderful initiative to help protect the environment in a delicious way!

What did you think?

From popular souvenirs to slightly unusual items, we hope you will take home the taste along with your memories of Lake Akan.

The products introduced here can be purchased at souvenir shops in the Akanko Onsen town and at fishermen's association shops, so please be sure to check them out!

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) 3000 yen / 3500 yen
　　　
Child (elementary school student) 1500 yen / 1700 yen
　
*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"!