All you need to know about Akan’s sights, nature and wildlife

Learn about the area’s volcanoes, wildlife and plant life at the Akankohan Eco-museum Center before enjoying a stroll around Lake Akan. In winter, change up the pace of your exploration on snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Explore exhibits about the surrounding natural sights such as Akan’s scalable volcanoes—Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan—and lakes Akan and Onneto. In addition, get up-to-date information about seasonal flowers, brown bear sightings, volcanic activity alerts and more. Information is available in multiple languages.

At the aquarium exhibit, you can see Akan's famous marimo—rare lake algae that grow into fluffy green balls of varying sizes. You’ll also find displays of local Akan fish like the Sakhalin taimen and kokanee, types of salmon found only in Hokkaido and parts of Russia. While you’re at the center, take some time to relax around the fireplace in the cozy lounge area facing the forest. It’s the perfect place to have lunch or read a book.

A 1.5-kilometer walking trail starting from the ecomuseum leads through pine forest to bubbling, geothermal mud pools, known as bokke, and out to Lake Akan. If the path is covered in snow, rent cross-country skis or snowshoes from the center.