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Akan-ko National Park

Visit Akan-ko National Park, Japan

Visit Akan-ko National Park, Japan

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Located on the shore of scenic Lake Akan, the Akan Kohan Hotspring Resort is a good base from which to explore the Akan National Park.

Though a little touristy the resort has a range of good hotels and facilities, and its wonderful setting more than makes up for the occasional tour group.

Highlights of Akan National Park

The town's symbol and rather unusual attraction is the unique marimo, a spherical green algae fuzzball that grows in large numbers in the lake, taking up to 30 years to reach full size (approximately the size of a small melon).

Driving in HokkaidoIn addition to Lake Akan there are a number of other smaller lakes that can be reached by car or on foot, and for the more adventurous there are excellent hiking options on Mt Oakan and its larger cousin Mt Meakan (1,499 m).

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Start planning your tailor-made trip to Akan-ko National Park by contacting one of our Japan specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Akan-ko National Park

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Akan-ko National Park, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Akan-ko National Park

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Akan-ko National Park

    Photos of Akan-ko National Park

    • Akan National Park
      Akan National Park
    • Red crowned crane
      Red crowned crane
    • Akan-ko National Park, Japan
      Akan-ko National Park, Japan
    • Akan-ko National Park, Japan
      Akan-ko National Park, Japan
    • Akan-ko National Park, Japan
      Akan-ko National Park, Japan
    • Winter mating ritual of Japanese cranes
      Winter mating ritual of Japanese cranes
    • Red crowned crane colony
      Red crowned crane colony
    • Akan-ko National Park, Hokkaido
      Akan-ko National Park, Hokkaido

    Our expert guides to exploring Akan-ko National Park

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Akan-ko National Park, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Akan-ko National Park at its best.

    • Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island
      Driving in Hokkaido

      Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island

      Driving in Japan: Hokkaido Island

      Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a volcanic, alpine-forested wilderness with bubbling hot springs and vivid-blue caldera lakes. Japan specialist Toby explains how you can make the most of your visit by self-driving across the island.

      9 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Akan-ko National Park

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Akan-ko National Park. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.