
Akan-Mashu National Park
nature
阿寒摩周国立公園
Eastern Hokkaido's scenic national park features three stunning caldera lakes, rare marimo algae, and Ainu heritage.
Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido spans two distinct sections around volcanic caldera lakes. Lake Akan is the only place in the world where spherical marimo algae form naturally into balls up to 30 centimeters across. On the Mashu side, whooper swans winter on Lake Kussharo beside natural hot springs, and Mt. Io's sulfur vents release steam through bright yellow fumaroles. The Ainu people have lived here for centuries, and their cultural presence continues at Akanko Ainu Kotan village and the Kussharo Kotan museum.
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