Akan National Park: Ainu Culture Exploration
Akan Lake in eastern Hokkaido is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery and is central to indigenous Ainu culture. Explore this gorgeous region in your own customized Camper Van.
Inspired by chef Stuart Brioza’s trip around Hokkaido with Kammui, this unique adventure combines hiking through volcanic landscapes and forests with exploration of Ainu culture.
Inspired by chef Stuart Brioza’s trip around Hokkaido with Kammui, this unique adventure combines hiking through volcanic landscapes and forests with exploration of Ainu culture.
Open Dates
Spring ~ Autumn
Length
3 nights, 4 days
Location
Akan National Park, Hokkaido
Price
¥580,000~ /person
Highlights
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.
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
- Accommodation at Nonaka Onsen
- Dinners
Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido
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.
Guide
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.
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.