Akanko Onsen Town, Kushiro

Akanko Onsen is a hot spring town located on the southern shores of Lake Akan, representing the liveliest of the lakeside onsen areas. This resort town serves as the gateway to experiencing both Japan's volcanic hot spring culture and the indigenous Ainu heritage that has thrived in this region for centuries. The lakeside hot spring resort of Akankohan is the only town around the lake, making it a unique destination that combines natural wonder with cultural immersion.

Lake Akan is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms itself into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan's marimo can reach the size of soccer balls, and the algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument. Local indigenous Ainu people traditionally view them as spiritual beings with deep connections to nature, and visitors can experience Ainu culture at an Ainu Kotan (village). The town celebrates this unique ecosystem through the annual Marimo Festival from October 8-10, conducted by significant members of the Ainu community.

Visitors can experience the town's therapeutic hot springs at numerous ryokan and hotels. Several ryokan have hot spring baths with views of the lake on their upper floors, and several hotels open their baths to non-guests during the day for typically ¥500-1500. Beyond hot spring soaks, visitors can enjoy free foot and hand baths scattered throughout the area. The town offers lake cruises to observe the marimo in their natural habitat, along with hiking trails through the surrounding forest and along the shoreline.

Transportation to Akanko Onsen requires connecting through major airports or train stations. The town is about 60 minutes from Kushiro Airport or 70 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport via National Route 240. By train and bus, travelers can reach Kushiro or Kitami by JR train, then continue by bus to Akanko, with Kushiro being about 4 hours from Sapporo by JR train (¥8,610). By car, Lake Akan is about 90 minutes from central Kushiro. Most hot springs charge ¥500-1500 for day-use bathing, while accommodation and dining are available throughout the town's central area.