What we did at Akan, Hokkaido (by car)

Now that you have found your accommodation (if you haven't, here's one option for you to consider), it's time to start planning where to go. Akan is not really a place where it's being blogged or review about often because it's a rather long way from Sapporo so not many will come here unless you're on a tour or if you are driving. So I hope to be able to compile a list of places you can go to when you visit Akan.

There are so many things to do at Akan, depending on the season and weather, you will probably need more than 3 days to explore. Due to the limited time we have here, these are the list of things we did during our 3D2N stay.

If you are into sight seeing or any adventurous trip, then read on!

1. Visit Lake Onneto

Lake Onneto was formed when Mount Meakan Erupted. It is also known as the colour changing lake because of it's power of changing colour according to the time of the day and season. Overlooking the lake is Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan. This place has become a must-see spot among the locals.

The place was really beautiful and quiet which we love it so much. It really feels like one of the secret spot because there wasn't a single person in view. The best thing is that it's only a 20 minutes drive from our accommodation!

If you are driving here, either key in the map code or the name and it will bring you to the first spot to Lake Onneto. You can take a few pictures here and there but don't be fooled, drive further down and you will reach the observation deck to properly view the lake.

We wanted to star gaze here but it was impossible because of the full moon and I was really scared because it was pitch black. There are no street lamps (not a single light) and you can only depend on the headlights of your car, even while driving.

If star gazing is something you would like to do, you can also sign up for professional star gazing tour groups depending on your budget.

2. Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is probably one of the clearest lake in the world however, it is always being covered up in heavy fog which makes it very difficult to view.

It took us about an hour to reach the Uramashu Observatory deck and it was so cold and foggy when we were there we thought we were going to miss seeing this famous lake but we decided to drive around until we reached the other observation deck when we finally saw what you're seeing as above. It was such a happy moment for us!

We had the intention of hiking this gorgeous place when we came but we couldn't find the trail nor the entrance and the weather did not help at all but if you did, give it a hike!

We took this opportunity to quickly snap some photos

Absolutely no one to photobomb our photos

As we were leaving, the fog started coming back. We were so lucky with those photos we have.

3. Mount Iozan

Mount Io, as it is called, is still an active volcano! We drove here from Lake Mashu and it was such a scenic drive. I think driving anywhere in Hokkaido is always a scenic drive. Sometimes you even get to see animals like deer or fox on the road, we just haven't got to see a bear yet.

It was about a 30 minutes drive before reached the parking area of Mount Iozan. Parking is not free but it's not too expensive to pay to park either.

And as always, we almost had the entire place to ourselves! Those fogs you see in the pictures are actually the steam created by the sulphurous vents that are just right behind us.

We also managed to get a picture together with the help of a Japanese guy because we helped him to take a shot as well.

There's a resting area beside Mount Iozan where you can buy food from to snack on a little before you continue driving to you next destination.

4. Lake Kussharo

There are actually lots of lakes to visit in Hokkaido, Lake Kussharo being one of them. It is one of Japan's largest caldera lake located in Akan National Park. The entire lake freezes up during winter time.

Similar to Loch Ness Monster, it is believed that Japan's very own monster, Kusshie, inhabits here!

There are swan boats placed at the bridge but it doesn't seemed to be working during the time when we went.

There are sands near the lake which is being used by people for 'sand bath' during summer. For us, we could only dip our hands in the lake because it was still too cold.

5. Hiking up a Volcano

If you're a little more adventurous, hiking up a volcano is also one way to enjoy Hokkaido! It also gives you a reason to eat a little more.

This is one of the highlights in our trip. Japan is known to be relatively safe to do any kinds of hiking which is why we decided to do our virgin climb here.

We did not know what to expect when we planned for this hike because it was our very very first hiking experience but we have definitely learned our lessons from this.

Tips:

1) Bring a bear bell - There are definitely wild bears out there somewhere so please bring along a bear bell. We did not have one but we were very lucky to have met a older couple who did. We ended up buying a bear bell from our accommodation only after the hike.

2) Bring only the things you need and lots of water - Drop whatever you do not need because it will be a long climb so water is very important here to hydrate yourself.

3) Wear proper clothes and shoes - It might seem like a hot and sunny day when you're out on the road or while you're climbing, but the weather will be a totally different thing when you're on the summit. It was so windy and cold at the summit I was glad I had a outerwear with me. Paths are rocky so it's always good to get yourself a pair of hiking shoe with proper grip.

4) Follow the ribbons - they will guide you