- Address: Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
- Area: 905 sq. M. km
- Website: env.go.jp
- Date of foundation: December 4, 1934
In Japan, in the southwestern part of the Shiretoko Peninsula, there is a very beautiful Akan National Park. It is located in the center of Hokkaido Prefecture and is famous for the active volcanoes and virgin forests.
What is interesting about the park?
The area of the protected area is 905 square meters. km. Movement on the territory is limited, so it's best to go on foot or by bike.
In Akane National Park in Japan there are 3 large lakes:
- In the eastern part - Masyu-ko . It has a depth of 35 m and is located in the caldera, which is surrounded by bare rocks. On sunny days, the lake's water has a bright blue color, and thanks to the crystal clearness, travelers will be able to view the bottom. The surprising fact is that no stream flows into the reservoir and flows out of it.
- In the north, Kussioro-ko . This is the largest reservoir of the prefecture, its perimeter is 57 km. The lake is a popular place in the summer season. Here there are well-equipped beaches, the sand of which is heated by hot springs. In winter, almost the whole territory is covered with ice, and when it compresses, sounds appear that give the impression of a "singing" lake.
- On the south-west side is Akan-ko . The lake is famous for unusual algae of a regular spherical shape, called marimo (Aegagropila sauteri). This is a kind of pond, having a size with a baseball. Plants grow all the time (up to 200 years) and are constantly increasing if left unattended. They are considered the natural property of the country. Even a museum dedicated to these unusual algae works in the park.
The reservoirs are dotted with small islands, and dense forests and hot springs surround them. Near the latter are the famous resorts (for example, Kawayu onsen), which are always crowded.
Volcanoes of the park Akan
On the southern shore of the lake there is a starting line for climbing to the top of the Oakan-dake volcano (height 1371 m). The rise and descent on average takes up to 6 hours.
A few kilometers away is the highest point of the National Park - the active volcano Maakan-dake (1499 m). Over the period from 1880 to 1988, he erupted 15 times. At the top there is a high sulfur content in the air, which makes it difficult to breathe. Here you can see unearthly landscapes: pale ponds cover steam escaping from cracks. It is more convenient to get to the mountain through Lake Onneto-ko.
Attractive for tourists is also the volcano Io-zan, whose height is 512 m above sea level. The trek lasts about 1 hour, while tourists can see geothermal attractions: crevices, where sulfuric steam and boiling living ponds are erupting.
Fauna of the National Park
On the water of Akan during the winter migration arrive the cranes of the Tantis. These are quite large birds, their growth exceeds the mark of 1.5 m. They are considered the most beautiful and rare species of their species.
From the birds in the protected area, you can also find a black woodpecker and a swan-sweeper. The animal world of the park is quite diverse, it is home to squirrels, red foxes, Siberian chipmunks, brown bears and spotted deer.
Features of visit
When you are going to conquer a volcano or take a walk in the park, you should take with you comfortable sports clothes and shoes. You should have a supply of water and a tourist card, which is issued at the entrance.
When climbing a peak, pay attention to signs and signs. Ride better with the help of an experienced guide and in dry weather.
How to get there?
From the city of Abashiri to the Akan National Park in Japan, you can get in an organized tour or by car on the highway number 243 and 248. Travel time takes up to 2.5 hours.