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Discover the fantastic thing about Lake Akan and Lake Mashu and study wealthy cultural heritage and historical past of the Ainu folks.
Be a part of me on half two of my two-day journey throughout East Hokkaido, the place we’ll uncover the wonders of Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu.
On my first day at Akan Mashu Nationwide Park, I made probably the most of some unhealthy climate by touring Lake Kussharo. Relaxed in some onsens, and feasting on native Akan meals on the resort. For those who missed out on the primary half, you may catch up right here!
For my second and ultimate day in Akan, I used to be greeted with superb climate. I toured the three lakes – Akan, Kussharo, and Mashu – whereas taking within the gorgeous surroundings. I’ll additionally delve into the historical past and tradition of the Ainu, the indigenous folks of Japan, and stand up shut with Akan’s well-known marimo algae! It’s one other day packed filled with journey (and driving), so let’s get into it!
Lake Akan Cruise
After testing and saying goodbye to the resort, I made my method to the Lake Akan space. The lake is located inside the Akan Caldera, which was shaped by the collapse of land following volcanic eruptions 1000’s of years in the past.
On the shores of Lake Akan lies Akanko Onsen, a small city full of resorts, sizzling springs, and eating places. You may also discover the Akankohan Eco-museum Middle, the place you may uncover details about effervescent mud swimming pools generally known as “bokke” and the park’s distinctive natural world. Nonetheless, because the climate was sunny, I made a decision to go for the sightseeing cruise. The cruise value 2,000 yen (13 USD) for adults and 1,040 yen (7 USD) for youngsters (in 2023).
The 85-minute cruise takes you across the Akan caldera. Passing by way of the picturesque Takiguchi space and stopping at Churui Island, the place you may observe the well-known marimo algae up shut.
The boat supplies each indoor and outside seating and has merchandising machines so you may seize a drink whereas having fun with the surroundings.
You possibly can respect the gorgeous nature up shut, and it modifications with the seasons.
On clear days, you may witness the lively volcanoes, Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan, towering over the lake. Each volcanoes erupted in 2008, however the eruptions weren’t extreme and shouldn’t deter you from visiting the park.
In the direction of the tip of the cruise, you’ll have a 15-minute cease on the Marimo Exhibition Middle, the place you may study all concerning the spherical algae, Marimo.
Marimo Algea
The underside of Lake Akan is inhabited by marimo, which frequently grows as much as 20 to 30 centimeters in dimension! Traditionally, folks used to gather marimo from the lake, posing a menace to its existence. Nonetheless, in 1920, it turned a protected species, and in 1940, there was a marketing campaign to safeguard the algae. In 1950, the native Ainu folks initiated a three-day marimo competition. Culminating with a ritual through which a senior Ainu, aboard a small wood boat, returns the marimo one after the other, with care and gratitude, into the lake. This competition continues at present, usually held in October because the autumn leaves start to fall.
In any case, the cruise provides a 15-minute cease on the Marimo Exhibition Middle so that you can study extra concerning the algae and take some photos.
Lake Akan Ainu Kotan
Close to the sightseeing cruise, you’ll discover Ainu Kotan, a small village with round 120 Ainu settlers from 36 households. Guests can discover the varied outlets promoting handmade items, study Ainu tradition, and dine at conventional eating places. Upon arrival, you’ll instantly discover conventional music and distinctive structure, which transports you to the world of the Ainu.
Conventional Ainu Meals
I finished by Marukibune to get some lunch. Right here, they provide soup curry, and ramen, however what caught my eye was the standard Ainu meals.
I made a decision on the Yasei Don (venison rice bowl), which was priced at 2,200 yen (15 USD). Venison has an extended historical past in Hokkaido’s delicacies, and it held explicit significance in Ainu historical past as deer served as considered one of their principal sources of meals and fur for clothes. The donburi consisted of tender venison, greens, and egg, making a scrumptious mixture. The venison was extremely tender, the greens offered a slight crunch, and the egg added richness and luxurious to the dish. The easiest way to explain it’s a mix of oyakodon and gyudon.
Conventional Ainu Craft
All through the kotan, you’ll discover varied shops with grasp artisans promoting their intricate wooden carvings of bears, birds, people, and different topics. These are extremely wanted world wide as unique Ainu artwork.
To realize additional perception into the world of Ainu, it’s also possible to watch a standard Ainu dance, which is Hokkaido’s solely designated essential intangible cultural heritage of Japan. At Ainu Theater Ikor, you may watch a 30-minute efficiency of conventional dances, music, and folklore tales. Sadly, no photographs or movies are allowed contained in the theater.
The efficiency is just out there in Japanese, and the doorway price is 1,500 yen for adults and 700 yen (5 USD) for youngsters.
Alternatively, you may attend the Misplaced Kamuy efficiency, which tells the story of the Ainu folks and the Hokkaido wolf utilizing dance and digital artwork. The doorway price is 2,200 yen (14 USD) for adults and 700 yen (5 USD) for youngsters.
Ainu Dwelling Memorial Corridor Poncise
Lastly, you may expertise the lifetime of the Ainu by visiting the Ainu Dwelling Memorial Corridor Poncise (a small home). The thatched-roofed home shows artifacts, clothes, and on a regular basis objects that present perception into historic instances, providing a way of how the indigenous folks lived.
Bihoro Move
Because the clouds disappeared, I made my approach as much as Bihoro Move subsequent to Lake Kussharo. The drive took simply over an hour, with the winding roads slowly ascending the mountains, which had been full of bikers and different vacationers seeking to get a glimpse of the spectacular surroundings.
From the observatory at Bihoro Move, you’re greeted with a panoramic view of Kussharo Caldera, which is the most important caldera lake in Japan.
I like to recommend taking a hike to the highest of the observatory to get the perfect view of the encompassing panorama.
From this vantage level, you may see the lake’s central island, Nakajima, Wakoto Peninsula, which we briefly visited within the earlier submit, and the entire surrounding nature on the park.
The observatory additionally has a relaxation home with varied eating places and outlets.
Throughout my go to, I sampled the favored ageimo (deep-fried potato) and loved some customary ice cream. This time, it wasn’t soft-serve; it was ice cream flavored with Kuma bamboo grass!
For all of the early birds on the market, in the event you go to between June and October and the situations are proper, you may also be lucky sufficient to witness a sea of clouds within the early morning.
Lake Mashu
The final cease of my two-day journey was Lake Mashu, which was roughly a 40-minute drive from Bihoro Move.
There are a number of totally different observatories round Lake Mashu Caldera, however I started with Lake Mashu Observatory No.1.
Right here, you should buy presents on the memento store or cease for a snack and a few espresso.
For those who climb the steps, you’ll attain an statement deck the place you may sit and chill out whereas taking within the view of the lake.
To the best, you’ll be capable to see Mount Kamui, which is claimed to be an lively volcano. To not fear, although, because it hasn’t erupted within the final 1,000 years.
After some rest, I made my method to Observatory No.3, only a few minutes by automotive. It was simply time for sundown and it was by far, one of the crucial stunning I had seen.
Within the distance, you may view the whole thing of Akan Mashu Nationwide Park, with Iozan (Mt. Ito) and its steaming volcanic vents, generally known as fumaroles.
You’ll discover that the perimeters of the volcanoes are stained white as a result of billowing sulfur.
It couldn’t have been a greater method to conclude the journey, and it jogged my memory why I like Hokkaido a lot. The jap aspect is commonly neglected by guests, so I hope this conjures up you to discover it whenever you’re in Japan!
In order that was my two-day journey round Akan Mashu Nationwide Park! What did you suppose? Whereas I managed to journey throughout the park in simply two days, there’s a lot extra to discover. For individuals who love the outside, there are numerous mountaineering trails across the mountains (however watch out of untamed brown bears) and so many extra observatories.
The hotter months are nice for having fun with the luscious greenery, whereas the winter months flip the park right into a winter wonderland, full of snow-capped mountains and whooper swans. Irrespective of the time of yr, Akan Mashu Nationwide Park is price a go to!
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