Akan-Mashu National Park: Volcanic Beauty and Spiritual Tranquility in Eastern Hokkaido
Located in eastern Hokkaido, Akan-Mashu National Park is one of Japan’s most stunning and spiritually rich natural areas. Shaped by powerful volcanic activity over 6,000 years ago, the park is home to some of the clearest lakes in the country, active geothermal sites, lush forests, and rare wildlife.
Whether you’re visiting in summer for hiking and canoeing, or in winter for snowshoeing and hot spring soaking, Akan-Mashu offers unforgettable experiences year-round.
The Three Jewel Lakes of the Park
The park is most famous for its three pristine caldera lakes—each with its own personality and charm.
Lake Kussharo is the largest of the three and features a unique combination of lake beaches, hot springs, and volcanic features. In winter, parts of the lake freeze over, but warm geothermal spots remain open, attracting whooper swans that overwinter in the region. Feeding the swans by the lake is a serene and moving experience.
Lake Akan is perhaps the most iconic, not only for its scenery but for being the only natural habitat of marimo, rare green algae that form into velvety spheres. Some marimo grow as large as soccer balls and are considered national treasures of Japan. You can visit the Marimo Exhibition Center by boat, or spot smaller marimo in the lake’s crystal-clear water.
Lake Mashu, often called the “Lake of the Gods,” is one of the clearest lakes in the world. Shrouded in mist for much of the year, it has an ethereal, mysterious beauty. When the clouds do part, the deep blue color of the lake is stunning. The view from the Mashu Observatory is unforgettable—especially at sunrise.
Volcanic Landscapes and Onsen Healing
The park’s volcanic nature is ever-present. A highlight is Mount Iozan, a sulfurous volcano whose steaming vents fill the air with the scent of minerals and the sight of yellow-streaked rock faces. Walking among the bubbling fumaroles feels like stepping into another world.
Nearby is Kawayu Onsen, where the hot spring water is so acidic that it can dissolve coins. Despite this, the onsen is gentle on the skin and perfect after a day of hiking or snowshoeing. Many local inns offer outdoor baths (rotenburo) with views of the forest or steaming mountain slopes.
Winter in Akan: Silence, Snow, and Spiritual Connection
I visited Akan in mid-January, when snow blanketed everything and the lake looked like a frozen desert. One of the most memorable experiences was a guided snowshoe hike through a primeval forest near Lake Akan. We walked silently under tall, snow-covered trees, listening to the crunch of snow underfoot and spotting tracks of Ezo deer and red foxes. At one point, we paused at a clearing with views of Mount Oakan—its shape perfectly symmetrical and glowing in the soft winter light.
Later that evening, I soaked in a lakeside onsen as snow fell around me. The contrast between the freezing air and the steaming water was exhilarating. That moment, surrounded by nature, warmth, and silence, felt deeply healing.
A Journey to the Nearby Kushiro Marsh
Many visitors to Akan-Mashu also combine their trip with a visit to Kushiro Marsh, located just a short drive south. This is the best place in Japan to see the red-crowned Japanese cranes (tancho), which are symbols of longevity and love in Japanese culture. Seeing these elegant birds dance in the snow during mating season is nothing short of magical.
The area is also ideal for photographers and birdwatchers, especially during early morning when the cranes gather near the rivers and create striking silhouettes against the mist and sunrise.
Why Visit Akan-Mashu National Park?
- To witness the marimo—a unique natural wonder found only in Lake Akan
- To soak in volcanic hot springs under open skies
- To walk through ancient forests and discover the silence of winter
- To view some of Japan’s clearest lakes and spiritual landscapes
- To connect with nature in its purest, most peaceful form
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