A Day Trip Around Lake Akan Hokkaido

How To Get To The Lake Akan Area

The nearest city is the sleepy town of Kushiro. It is the last stop on the train line. If you are travelling on public transport and using your JR Pass from Sapporo, take the Ozora train. It has a delightful logo based around the local red crowned cranes.

How To Get Around The Area

You need transportation to get around this area as the attractions are some distance apart. Driving a rental car is a good option. There are also private tours to the Lake Akan area.

Attractions Around the Lake Akan Area

Lake Akan

Eastern Hokkaido is a popular holiday region and because of the volcanic activity there are plenty of onsen – hot springs resorts. Lake Akan itself was formed inside a caldera when lava cooled and formed a dam 6000 years ago. It’s a large lake of around 14 square kilometres and is known for its clear water. There are all sorts of activities in the area, including boat trips across the lake.

There is a very pretty waterfall close by.

Lake Mashu

Akan is not the only lake in the national park. Lake Mashu is also renowned for its beautiful clear water. That’s if you can see it. Unfortunately we visited on a particularly vile day – when we arrived it was raining and misty and there was no view of the prestigious lake to be seen. Hey ho. Can’t help the weather. This is what it looks like on a sunny day.

We did manage to see the sign though.

Iozan Volcano Area

The Iozan volcano area (Iozan literally means ‘sulphur mountain’), with its gloriously yellow sulphur deposits and eye-watering smells if you get too close. You are free to walk around on the footpaths, although areas are off limits for safety reasons. You can also buy eggs cooked using the natural heat of the mountain at the visitor centre.

The Kushiro Wetlands

The Kushiro river meanders gently through the wetlands, Japan’s largest marshland. It is a haven for birds and other wildlife. There is a visitors’ centre which has loads of information about the flora and fauna – and some nice viewing spots.

Hokkaido’s Red Crowned Crane Sanctuary

Hokkaido’s red crowned cranes reside on Japan’s northern – and second largest – island, are so famous that they feature on the country’s banknotes and as the logo for Japan Airlines. Half of the world’s population of these distinctive and beautiful birds, amongst the rarest cranes in the world, reside on the eastern part of the island. The cranes mate for life and are known for their ‘dancing’ together as part of their courtship ritual. Many red crowned cranes are migratory but the ones that reside in Hokkaido are resident all year round.

It isn’t always possible to see wild cranes – wildlife being wildlife can be somewhat elusive – but the Akan International Crane Sanctuary is located close to the town of Kushiro and offers the opportunity to see these marvellous birds up close. It can be enjoyed as part of a day trip visiting the beautiful countryside surrounding the town.

The sanctuary has information about its work which is mostly in Japanese but, like a lot of Japanese information, it uses plenty of graphics as well.

The cranes almost became extinct during the 20^th century and remain on the endangered list. The centre acts as a feeding location for wild cranes and also has a number of captive cranes which are held in as natural an environment as possible making it possible to see the cranes all year round.

If you want to see them dancing in the snow you need to visit in winter but be prepared for loads of tourists with very expensive cameras who are all vying to snap that elusive shot of the crane couples’ fascinating dances.

The birds are able to breed. It was lovely to see one of the newest arrivals.

Lake Akan For Foodies

Mashu Soba Noodles

The region specialises in soba noodles which make a perfect lunch, even on a wet and rainy day. Mashu soba is made from buckwheat noodles. The noodles are made that morning, so are really fresh. They are cooked, rinsed in cold water and then served on a bamboo mat. Pick them up with chopsticks, dip into a savoury, refreshing dipping sauce and devour. Wasabi and negi (like spring onions) are available to add an extra dimension of heat and crunch. And don’t forget, it’s perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles.

If you’re hungry you can eat mashu soba as part of a set meal. Vegetable and prawn tempura, miso soup, pickles and a cup of green tea make for a veritable feast.

You might think that cold noodles on a rainy day might not be the best combination for maximum enjoyment but actually it works.

Red Crowned Cranes Souvenirs

If you’re visiting the red crowned crane sanctuary you can indulge in some edible souvenirs. Made from local ingredients, you can buy ‘crane egg’ omiyage (souvenir gift), which come in presentation box.