Lake Akan Onsen (Kushiro City, Hokkaido)

The Lake Akan Ainu Kotan (the Lake Akan Ainu Village; "ainu" means people and "kotan" means village in the Ainu language) is the largest of its kind in Hokkaido. Here, you can enjoy the "ancient dance rites of the Ainu," with a booklet of phonetic sounds in English. These dance rites have been designated as a Important National Intangible Cultural Property.

In addition to mountain climbing at Mt. Oakandake and Mt. Meakandake, which are listed in the One Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the four seasons, including trekking, fly fishing, canoeing, golf, and riding snowmobiles, etc.

In order to ensure that foreign guests can enjoy a safe, comfortable stay in Japan, a citizen-based group, the "Lake Akan Hot Springs Visit Japan Campaign Supporters," provides support for foreign tourists, including interpretation services, etc.

The marimo (aegagropila) of Lake Akan is known for its beautiful spherical form, found nowhere else in the world. Excursion boats linking the onsen area with the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center offer visitors a fascinating time and English-speaking guides are available.

Lake Akan Onsen is well known in Japan for its good quality and the flow volume of the hot springs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hot spring facilities at each inn, including open-air baths and sauna pools.