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Home  /  Japan  /  Lake Akan
Frozen lake & forest · Hokkaido, Japan

Lake Akan

A forested crater lake of frozen winters and Ainu culture — and the haunt of the rare Blakiston's fish owl.
Getting there
~1.5 hr from Kushiro, inland in Akan-Mashu National Park
Best for
Blakiston's fish owl, frozen lake, Ainu culture, winter forest, Ezo wildlife
The land
A volcanic crater lake ringed by forest in Akan-Mashu National Park
Good to know
The forests around Akan are one of the best places to see the giant Blakiston's fish owl
What it is
Lake Akan is a forested crater lake of frozen winters and Ainu culture — and a haunt of the rare Blakiston's fish owl.
In the heart of Akan-Mashu National Park, the crater lake of Akan freezes solid in winter, ringed by snowy forest and home to Hokkaido's largest Ainu community. The surrounding forests and rivers are among the best places to watch the giant, endangered Blakiston's fish owl, alongside Ezo deer, red foxes and woodland birds.
PhotoLake Akan — frozen lake & forest.
The reason to come

Forest, lake and owl

Lake Akan blends a frozen lake, Ainu culture and the giant fish owl.

Blakiston's fish owl

Night vigils for the world's largest owl at riverside sites.

Frozen lake

The crater lake under deep winter snow and ice.

Ainu culture

Hokkaido's largest Ainu community and its traditions.

Worth knowing

The giant fish owl

Blakiston's fish owl, the largest owl on earth, haunts the rivers around Lake Akan — a rare and magical sighting.
PhotoThe frozen crater lake of Akan.
When to come — honestly

A winter forest lake.

December – February
Best
Deep winter — frozen lake and the best fish-owl viewing.
Year-round
Good
A year-round lake; winter is the highlight.
June – September
Good
Green summer forest and lake activities.
Fish-owl viewing is a patient night vigil in severe cold, and sightings are never guaranteed.
Context

The crater-lake forest

Lake Akan adds the fish owl, frozen lake and Ainu culture to a Hokkaido trip.

It pairs with Kushiro and the Shiretoko peninsula.

We base Lake Akan for the fish owl and the frozen forest, inland from the crane wetlands.

Beyond the obvious

More to Lake Akan.

PhotoFish owl

Fish owl

Night vigils.

PhotoFrozen lake

Frozen lake

Winter ice.

PhotoAinu culture

Ainu culture

The lakeside village.

Why Wild Voyager

We time Japan's winter wildlife to the day.

Japan's winter wildlife — dancing cranes, sea eagles on the drift ice, fish owls, snow monkeys — peaks in narrow windows. We plan the route and timing and work with the best local photo specialists and lodges to put you in the right place at the right moment.

Handpicked stays

We choose the lodge and guides that fit your goals, not whatever is left.

We time it right

We build your visit around the season and the wildlife that delivers.

Journeys

Trips through Lake Akan

9 Days · 8 Nights

Wild Hokkaido Photography
10 Days · 9 Nights

Hokkaido Birds & Bears
10 Days · 9 Nights

Summer Wild Hokkaido
14 Days · 13 Nights

Japan Wildlife Complete
14 Days · 13 Nights

Japan Photography Expedition
16 Days · 15 Nights

Wild Japan Ultimate
Where to stay

Where you’ll stay in Lake Akan

Signature Collection
PhotoAkan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
Signature

Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza

A refined hot-spring ryokan at Lake Akan, the area's most luxurious stay.
Classic Collection
PhotoNew Akan Hotel
Classic

New Akan Hotel

A comfortable hot-spring hotel on the shore of Lake Akan.
Wildlife you may see
Birds

Plan your Lake Akan trip.

Watch for the giant fish owl at Lake Akan. Tell us your dates and we will build the route around it.

Plan a trip

Field notes, now and then.

Where to go · When to go · Wildlife in season

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