Many people may have visited Hokkaido before, but haven't yet explored Eastern Hokkaido. The greatest appeal of Eastern Hokkaido lies in its overwhelming, untouched natural landscapes and the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the indigenous Ainu people firsthand.
This area boasts three national parks—Akan-Mashu, Kushiro Shitsugen, and Shiretoko—and in October 2024, the much-anticipated “Hokkaido East Trail,” stretching approximately 410 km, also opened. This time, we'll introduce Akan Forest Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA (hereafter referred to as KAMUY LUMINA), a nighttime attraction by Lake Akan that even those who feel that long-distance hiking is a bit intimidating can easily enjoy!
Additionally, we'll guide you through access information and breathtaking spots around Eastern Hokkaido, along with firsthand insights from JTB staff who visited the area. Let’s take a peek at a magical night where nature, culture, and digital art come together.
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Even First-Time Visitors Will Find It Easy to Get There! Convenient Access to Lake Akan & a Scenic Journey
The most convenient way to reach Eastern Hokkaido is via Kushiro Airport. It takes just under two hours from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Kushiro Airport. From the airport, a convenient local bus runs to Lake Akan Onsen, arriving in about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Once you leave Kushiro city, the scenery outside the window changes dramatically to peaceful pastures. If you’re lucky, you might spot cows grazing on the lush green plains, making the journey itself a luxurious, quintessentially Hokkaido experience. There are also airport buses that stop in front of the hotels for both outbound and return journeys, so you can travel worry-free even with large luggage.
Of course, if you rent a car, you can freely explore the surrounding attractions at your own pace.
💬Travel Expert's Report | A JTB Staff Member's Experience
It's more efficient to rent a car to visit popular attractions such as Lake Akan Onsen, Kushiro Wetland, Lake Mashu, and Mount Iō.
Although we often hear that Eastern Hokkaido “seems hard to get to” or “people don’t know what’s there,” as introduced above, access is actually quite convenient.
Check Before You Go! Essential Information and Recommended Advance Tickets for KAMUY LUMINA
It takes only about 5 minutes on foot from the final bus stop, "Akanko Bus Center," to the "Marimo-no-Sato Pier," which serves as the reception venue for "KAMUY LUMINA." It's best to leave your luggage at your hotel, take a short break, and then head to the venue.
At the illuminated reception area, you will be greeted by "Kotankorokamuy," a sacred owl statue that watches over the Ainu village, heightening your excitement even before you enter. Same-day tickets are available, but depending on how crowded it is, you may not be able to enter at your preferred time. We highly recommend purchasing a discounted advance ticket with a reserved entry time.
What Is KAMUY LUMINA? An Immersive Light and Sound Experience
KAMUY LUMINA is one of the Lumina Night Walk series created by Moment Factory, a Canadian multimedia entertainment studio, which uses cutting-edge digital technology to showcase the natural environments and unique cultures of various places around the world. Lake Akan is the first national park in the world to host a Lumina Night Walk. Starting 30 minutes after sunset, the attraction is themed on the Ainu epic "The Story of the Owl and the Jay," expressing the importance of coexistence with nature. It is an immersive attraction where you walk along a forest trail (about 1.2 km) decorated with projection mapping, lights, and sounds, taking about 50 to 60 minutes to complete.
Head into the Night Forest with the "Rhythm Stick," a Magical Wand of Light and Sound
The Rhythm Stick Given to Each Participant
"KAMUY LUMINA" uses a system where groups enter according to the time printed on their tickets (every 15 minutes). Before stepping into the night forest, you will receive the most important item for this journey at the reception: the "Rhythm Stick."
This stick, inspired by the traditional Ainu walking staff, not only gently lights your path through the dark night, but also plays music and narration that changes according to the area you are in—a mysterious "magic wand." It acts as your personal guide, drawing you into the world of the story.
Although you enter in groups, once inside the forest you can walk at your own pace. You are free to overtake the groups ahead, pause to take in the visual displays, Just be careful not to stray from the course or fall too far behind, and enjoy this enchanting nighttime stroll.
Breathtaking Beauty! Experience an Ainu Legend through Digital Art
Passing through the forest gate, you are greeted by a dazzling world of light that makes you forget the outside world. There are eight themed zones along the forest trail, including "Guardian Spirit," "The Fleeing Deer," and "Warning." As the story unfolds, the Rhythm Stick responds to each zone, creating an immersive experience that engages all your senses.
【Story Synopsis】
The Ainu people have long lived in harmony with nature. However, when humans stopped respecting animals, the Kamuy (gods) became angry and made all animals that served as food disappear from the world. The owl, the Ainu people's guardian deity, set out on a journey with a jay—a wild bird with a beautiful singing voice—to deliver a plea to the Kamuy. But when the jay lost the rhythm along the way, their wish could not be conveyed, putting them in a desperate situation. That’s when our “helping hand” as visitors to the forest becomes essential…
The animals projected onto the trees through projection mapping were so lifelike that they seemed to come alive. The fantastical world created by the sparkling lights and projection mapping blended seamlessly into the forest, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.
💬 Travel Report from JTB, Japan’s Travel Professionals
Although the night walk lasted about an hour, the combination of the illumination and projection mapping within the national park and the glowing rhythm sticks made it truly magical. The scene at Bokke, where the Kamuy impart their wisdom, was especially breathtaking! There were highlights everywhere, and before I knew it, I was at the goal thinking, “Wait, has it already been an hour…?” It went by in a flash. Since you can go around again with the same ticket, I recommend booking an earlier time slot. If I’d had more time, I would have loved to go around again (laughs).
💡 Travel Tips
Average temperatures around Lake Akan range from 11.3°C to 21.3°C between June and August. While it can reach close to 30°C during the day, the low humidity makes it comfortable. Even in summer, nights at Lake Akan can get chilly, so be sure to bring a light jacket or something to throw on. From September to November, temperatures range from -2.2°C to 18.0°C, and the first snow can sometimes be observed as early as October.
Also, since KAMUY LUMINA takes place on forest trails, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential.
Lake Akan Forest Night Walk “KAMUY LUMINA”
- Event Period: 162 days from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Opening Hours: Starts about 30 minutes after sunset
*Within the times below, the event starts every 15 or 30 minutes depending on the period (standard duration: 50 minutes)
*Held rain or shine (Umbrellas are not allowed inside the venue, so please bring a raincoat, etc. Available for purchase on site)
*Please note that opening hours vary depending on the period.
- 05/26 (Tue) – 06/30 (Tue) 19:30–21:00 (4 sessions every 30 minutes, last start at 21:00) *Ended
- 07/01 (Wed) – 08/07 (Fri) 19:30–21:00 (7 sessions every 15 minutes, last start at 21:00)
- 08/08 (Sat) – 08/31 (Mon) 19:00–21:00 (9 sessions every 15 minutes, last start at 21:00)
- 09/01 (Tue) – 09/11 (Fri) 18:30–20:30 (5 sessions every 30 minutes, last start at 20:30)
- 09/12 (Sat) – 09/30 (Wed) 18:00–20:30 (6 sessions every 30 minutes, last start at 20:30)
- 10/01 (Thu) – 11/03 (Tue) 17:30–20:30 (7 sessions every 30 minutes, last start at 20:30)
🎫 Purchase tickets for KAMUY LUMINA 👉Click here
Enjoy Exceptional Hot Springs and Local Cuisine at Lakeside Inns on Lake Akan
The dome-shaped observation sauna on the rooftop of the hot spring inn “Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga”
After an inspiring night walk, head to a lakeside onsen inn at Lake Akan. Most of the inns are located along the lakeshore, offering panoramic views of the lake, the Akan Mountains, Mount Oakan, and Mount Meakan from their guest rooms and open-air baths.
Dinner at "Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga" Featuring Local Seasonal Delicacies and Hokkaido Flavors
For dinner, you can enjoy a wide variety of seasonal delights from Hokkaido, including fresh seafood such as Himemasu (kokanee salmon) and wakasagi (Japanese smelt), both specialties of Lake Akan, as well as game dishes and traditional Ainu flavors. After enjoying dishes prepared with local ingredients, unwind in the soothing hot springs and melt away the fatigue of your journey.
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Morning Walk Around Lake Akan and Three Must-See Scenic Spots in Eastern Hokkaido
Morning at Lake Akan｜A Chance to Encounter Wildlife
On the following morning, try waking up a little early and taking a stroll along the lakeside, which shows a completely different face from the night before. The reflection of Mount Oakan on the calm surface of the lake is breathtakingly beautiful.
💬Travel Expert's Report | A JTB Staff Member's Experience
Lake Akan is famous for its special natural monument, the green algae "marimo," but the rich ecosystem around the onsen town also offers many chances to encounter wild animals such as Ezo deer, Ezo red foxes, and Ezo squirrels. There are also free hand bath and foot bath spots scattered throughout the town, making it easy to stop by during your walk.
Furthermore, if you have a rental car, you can easily visit the "must-see scenic spots" around Lake Akan.
Kushiro Marsh｜An Overwhelming Scale of Greenery
Stretching across the Kushiro Plain in eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro Shitsugen is Japan's largest wetland. From the observation decks, you can experience the overwhelming scale of greenery stretching to the horizon. It is also known as a habitat for rare wildlife, such as the special natural monument, the red-crowned crane (tancho).
💬Travel Expert's Report | A JTB Staff Member's Experience
Unfortunately, it was cloudy, but the vast scenery was still overwhelming! The bear bell I borrowed for walking through Kushiro Shitsugen was surprisingly big and made me laugh.
Lake Mashu｜Boasting the Clearest Water in Japan
Hokkaido's Teshikaga Town is home to "Lake Mashu," a caldera lake famous for having the clearest water in Japan and its deep blue surface known as "Mashu Blue." In the Ainu language, it is called "Kamuito" (Lake of the Gods).
💬Travel Expert's Report | A JTB Staff Member's Experience
Lake Mashu is known as the "Foggy Lake Mashu," but on the day I visited, it was so clear that it completely defied its nickname. The "Mashu Blue" was truly beautiful. The shoreline even looked emerald green, offering a variety of stunning views.
Mount Iou (Atosanupuri)｜An Active Volcano
Located in Teshikaga, Hokkaido, this active volcano rises to 508 metres above sea level. Its name comes from the Ainu language meaning "naked mountain," and as the name suggests, the bare mountainside is devoid of trees, with over 1,000 fumaroles spewing white smoke and roaring sounds.
💬Travel Expert's Report | A JTB Staff Member's Experience
It was a truly rare experience to see an active volcano up close. The area was filled with the smell of sulfur, noticeable even before getting out of the car. The area around the fumaroles was extremely hot, and I was surprised when hot water occasionally splashed out amidst the rising steam. Be careful not to get too absorbed in taking photos of the scenery and end up getting burned (laugh)!
Find Memorable Souvenirs at Akanko Ainu Kotan
Traditional wooden crafts, which play an important role in Ainu culture, make perfect souvenirs.
To conclude your trip, head to "Akan Lake Ainu Kotan," located just a short distance from the center of the Akanko Onsen town. This is one of the largest Ainu kotan (villages) in Hokkaido where Ainu people still live today, and it is home to traditional craft shops, restaurants, and the Ainu Theatre Ikor.
Delicate traditional wooden crafts, beautiful embroidery, and beaded accessories—all of which showcase the skills of local artisans and play an important role in Ainu culture—make for perfect souvenirs.
Although it looks like matcha, Marimo Yokan has a mild, lightly sweet flavour.
In the onsen town, you'll also find plenty of unique souvenirs, including marimo-themed goods and the local specialty Marimo Yokan. Although it looks like matcha, it has a mild flavour with just a hint of sweetness.
Summary: Discover the Beauty of Lake Akan in Every Season
Lake Akan Lakeside Observatory is located about 2 km from the onsen town, at an elevation of approximately 530 meters.
💬 Travel Report from JTB, Japan’s Travel Experts
This trip was packed with activities, but one of Lake Akan's greatest charms is that there's always something new to experience, whether it's trying activities we missed this time, such as cycling or taking a sightseeing cruise, or visiting in a different season.
A trip to Lake Akan lets you soak up the power of nature and experience the spirit of Ainu culture through the latest digital art. In spring, you’ll find fresh greenery; in summer, lush deep forests; in autumn, vibrant colored leaves; and in winter, fireworks and smelt fishing on the completely frozen lake. Each season offers its own unique activities and breathtaking views.
From Kamuy Lumina, which we introduced in this article, to the panoramic views from the surrounding observatories, Eastern Hokkaido is full of beautiful places in Japan that are still relatively unknown. Once you've visited, you'll find yourself wanting to come back again and again. Why not set out on your own journey?
🏨Book hotels around Lake Akan, Hokkaido, with JAPANiCAN 👉Click here
🚅Book Shinkansen tickets with NAVITIME Travel! 👉Click here
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Some sources: JTB News
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