After breakfast at our hotel, we will head for Lake Akan in the Akan–Mashu National Park. Lake Akan, located between the majestic Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan volcanic peaks, is a hot spot for hiking, fishing and bathing in hot springs. It is also a cultural hub for Ainu, the indigenous people of Northern Japan, and you can find a variety of handicraft shops and galleries on the main street of the village.
Here we will be joined by a local Ainu guide who will take us for a leisurely walk destined for a
bokke
, a spot where we can see the bubbling mud on the shore of Lake Akan. As we enjoy the
5 km
return walk, we will hear folklore stories and learn about the culture and customs of Ainu who worship wildlife and have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.
After lunch in Akan village, we travel on to Kawayu Onsen. In Japanese,
kawa
means river &
yu
means hot water and, true to its name, there is a hot water river running through the centre of the village. We will hike to the source of the thermal springs that feed the river, Mt. Iozan, on an easy
2.5 km
trail from Kawayu village.
A young and active volcano, Mt. Iozan has steam constantly jetting out from its fumaroles, providing spectacular views. Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people named this mountain ”
Atosa-nupuri
”, which means ”naked mountain” due to no vegetation growing on its slopes.
We will return on the same trail back to our vehicle in Kawayu Onsen, and drive 10 mins to our accommodation at Lake Kussharo. We will enjoy a meal and bathing in hot springs at our accommodation tonight.