Akan National Park: Ainu Culture Exploration

Open Dates
Spring to Fall, 2024
Length
3 nights, 4 days
Location
Akan National Park, Hokkaido
Price
Inquire

Highlights

bikes image

Ainu Culture

Learn about the indigenous Ainu culture and its connection to nature around Lake Akan.

Explore Akan Mashu National Park

Wander through primeval forests, hike up volcanoes, canoe on a caldera lake, and spot wildlife such as red foxes and white-tailed eagles

Traditional Ryokan

Experience a traditional hot spring inn untouched by time.

About

Home to the indigenous Ainu people, the Akan region offers a wealth of natural wonders and cultural discoveries. Explore this area in a customized 4-wheel drive Toyota Hilux with space for sleeping.

The first night you will sleep in your van at a campsite, and then you’ll drive to a beautiful traditional inn for the next two nights. This inn will be your base for trekking activities.

What's included
  • Customized van rental
  • Accommodation at Nonaka Onsen
  • Dinners
Image of bikes

Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido

Sky image

Hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity have sculpted the extraordinary landscape of Akan Mashu National Park and its three calderas. Lake Akan is within one of these calderas, Akan Caldera, which was formed by a massive collapse of land after a volcanic eruption.

Mt. Meakan is an active volcano and a popular hiking destination with numerous trails to the top. From the peak of Mt. Meakan, you can view the full volatile crater.

Mt. Meakan is an active volcano and a popular hiking destination with numerous trails to the top. From the peak of Mt. Meakan, you can view the full volatile crater.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ainu Culture

Arrive in Sapporo to pick up your customized van and drive to a campground at Lake Akan which will be your base for the day. Explore Lake Akan and learn about the indigenous Ainu people, their connection to nature and their incredible art, music and fashion.

Day 2: Hike around Lake Akan

Hike around Lake Akan and witness this natural paradise that continues to be sculpted by volcanic activity. Embark on a private boat trip and then drive to a beautiful traditional Japanese inn located deep in nature.

Day 3: Hike Mt. Meakan

Hike from your inn up the active volcano, Mt. Meakan, and enjoy fantastic views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the emerald lakes of this region. The trail takes you through an ancient Sakhalin spruce forest on the way to the summit.

Day 4: Canoe Experience

Drive to Kushiro to canoe the unexplored marshlands of Lake Toro and the Kushiro River. Witness nature awakening in the enchanting mist before dropping your van off at the airport.

Guide

Content 0

TOAL Camper Service

TOAL Camper Service was set up by Hokkaido locals to allow travelers to explore Hokkaido’s vast nature. Hokkaido has the wildest and most unspoiled landscape in all of Japan, and the only way to truly access this world is via your own camping van that gives you the freedom to go and stay wherever you want.

Send us an inquiry and we can design your next Kammui Adventure in Japan.