The 10 Best things to do in Kushiro and Lake Akan in summer.

Various outdoor activities can be experienced in Kushiro area and Lake Akan during summer time. What would you like to do?

1. Canoeing down the Kushiro River

Down the Kushiro River through the Kushiro Shitsugen Marshland with an experienced guide. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is the largest marshland of Japan and is home to about 1,300 species of wild animals such as Red-crowned crane ( Tancho crane ), White-tailed eagle, and Hokkaido deer.

2. Kushiro Marshland

You’ll have a spectacular panoramic views of marshland from the upper deck of the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. Visitors even have a chance of strolling along with wooden trails to observe the marshland at close range.
The observatory building provides a wide range of exhibitions and explanations related to the marshlands. It has a small café and our best recommendation is ‘’ Tancho Crane shaped soft ice cream”.

3. Locals eateries ‘Ganpeki Robata’

Kushiro is the birthplace of Robatayaki cooking style, where various kinds of seafood are grilled on the charcoal barbecue stoves. During summer season, various robatayaki stalls are set on the Kushiro Port, which is called “ Ganpeki Robata’’ where you can savor local specialty accompanied with quality saki looking at the renowned beautiful sunset and chatting with local people. It’ll be a precious time for you.

4. NOROKKO TRAIN

‘NOROKKO TRAIN’ is a sightseeing trolley train which is operated from April through October. The train runs through Kushiro Shitsugen Marshland. You’ll have an open views of the marshland. The train often slows down, which allows you to see some wild animals in a relaxed posture.
The train has a little shop that sells bento lunch boxes which feature local specialties.

5. Take a stroll in the ‘Light Forest’

“ Light Forest “ walking tour which is lead by a specially licensed guide give you a privileged opportunity to enter the primeval forest near the Lake Akan. The 800 years old Japanese Judas tree and the volcanic mud pool called ‘’Bokke’’ are the highlight of the tour.
You might share the emotion that the owner of this forest would feel under the sunlight shining through the leaves of trees.

6. Take a tour boat at Lake Akan

The sightseeing boat takes you to the most scenic places in the Lake Akan. You’ll have amazing views of Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan. The boat make a round trip and lastly stops at the Churui Island where you can observe ‘semi-wild’ marimo at Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center.

7. Akanko Ainu Kotan (Ainu Village)

The Ainu are Japan’s indigenous people who live in Hokkaido. They worship and thank the nature as the god for its blessing. At Akanko Ainu Kotan in Akanko Onsen, you'll see a variety of handicrafts with Ainu patterns passing down from the ancestors, such as wood carvings, embroideries, and traditional dishes.

8.「KAMUY LUMINA」

KAMUY LUMINA is an enchanted multimedia night walk experience that will take visitors on an interactive journey to the land of Kamuy(Ainu gods) from the lakeside forests of Akan. Using lighting effects, soundscapes and projections, this unique interactive experience will highlight the importance of coexistence with nature through the mythology of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.

9. Climbing Mt. Meakan.

Climbing Mt. Meakan ( 1,499m ), is like walking between Heaven and Earth. The ecological changes according to the seasons and the unique landscapes of the active volcano on the way will all make you feel the rhythm and vitality of the earth. When you reach the top of the mountain, the magnificent scenery that stretches into the sky will be a beautiful memory.

10. Five Color Lake Onneto

Lake Onneto is a dammed lake formed by the eruption of Mt. Meakan. It’s known as a mysterious lake, whose water color changes such as clear blue and emerald green depending on the seasons, times of the day, and the angles from which it is viewed.