10 Best hikes and trails in Akan-Mashu National Park

Best trails in Akan-Mashu National Park

4.3(283 reviews)

Japan
:
#11 of 29 national parks

Akan-Mashu National Park is one of the first designated national parks in Hokkaido. It is located in eastern Hokkaido and was established in 1934. Most of the park is made up of natural forests, and is said to be one of the most primitive national parks in Japan.

This park is made up of three calderas, Akan, Kussharo, and Mashu, which were developed by volcanic activity in the Kuril Volcanic Zone, and is also known for its valuable topography with multiple volcanoes and lakes dotted in a small area. .

The park can be divided into the Akan area and the Mashu (Kawayu) area, and the Akan area has spectacular mountain ranges such as Mt. Oakandake and Mt. Meakandake that rise near the lake, as well as Lake Akan and Onneto.

In the Mashu (Kawayu) area, you can enjoy Lake Mashu, which boasts some of the clearest water in the world, Lake Kussharo, which can be seen from the surrounding mountains, and the natural scenery of the forest that changes with the seasons.

While enjoying the magnificent natural scenery of Hokkaido's vast lakes, volcanoes, and rich virgin forests, you can enjoy hiking and cycling in the mountains mentioned above, driving around the spectacular scenery, winter sports, and a variety of famous hot springs. A variety of natural activities can be enjoyed within the park.

Top trails

#1 - Mount Me-akan Loop

Mount Me-akan (雌阿寒岳) is located to the southwest of Lake Akan. It is an active volcano and there are a volatile craters near the summit of the mountain, where fumarole gas rises. You can enjoy the superb and powerful view of the Mount Me-akan and the lake Onneto (オンネトー) below.

#2 - Wakoto Peninsula Loop Course

Wakoto Peninsula Loop Course (和琴半島一周コース) Wakoto Peninsula was originally a single volcanic island formed by volcanic eruptions after Lake Kussharo appeared. Over a long period of time, it connected with the lakeshore and became a peninsula. It is known for the rich ecosystem, beautiful sceneries of the lake with the surrounding nature that changing the colors in the seasons. This course leads you around the peninsula while viewing the stunning lake. First, stop by the Wakoto Field House to...

#3 - Tsutsujigahara Nature Walk - Mount Io Course

Tsutsujigahara Nature Walk - Mount Iwosan Course (つつじヶ原散策 - 硫黄山コース) This trekking route commences from Kawayu Eco-museum Center to Mount Io (Atusa-Nupuri) with over 1,500 various sizes of fumaroles actively vent steam via the lush Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail.

#4 - Mount Me-akan - Lake Onneto Loop

Mount Me-akan - Lake Onneto Loop (雌阿寒岳 - オンネトーループ) The main mountain in the Akan mountain group is located in the southwest of Lake Akan. Mount Me-akan is a composite volcano consisting of ten peaks with unique forms. This route begins from Me-akan Onsen, heads to the summit of Mount Me-akan, and then starts descending toward Lake Onneto. You can enjoy majestic landscapes of the dynamic volcanoes, a stunning lake, and the surrounding rich greens.

#5 - Akaknko Onsen Loop

Akaknko Onsen Loop (阿寒湖温泉ループ) Akanko (Lake Akan) Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido and is located in Akan-Mashu National Park. Many of the lakeside hotels have open-air baths where you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Akan and the mountains while soaking in the hot spring. There are also many hands and footbaths scattered around the hot spring town, making it a great place to enjoy hot springs conveniently. Most of the hot springs in Lake Akan are...

#6 - Lake Onneto (オンネトー)

Nestled on the eastern side of Hokkaido in Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Onneto (オンネトー), which is also known as the five-colored marsh, is a serene volcanic lake known for its ever-changing colors and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by lush forest and flanked by the towering peaks of Mt. Meakan and Mt. Akanfuji, this trail offers a perfect nature escape for all skill levels. As you walk, you'll enjoy peaceful lakeside views, the shimmering blue-green hues of the water, and the reflections...

#7 - Mount Hakuto - Lake Akan

Mount Hakuto - Lake Akan(白湯山 - 阿寒湖) Beginning from the trailhead near the Akankohan Campsite continues to the Mount Hakuto, which has an observatory for dynamic landscapes looking over the surrounding nature includes Lake Akan and Mount O-akan (雄阿寒岳).

#8 - Mount Mokoto - Highland Koshimizu Campsite

Mount Mokoto - Highland Koshimizu Campsite (藻琴山 - ハイランド小清水キャンプ場) Hike up Mount Mokoto is known for the rich wildlife and the impressive landscapes of the mountains of Akan and Shiretoko and the magnificent Lake Kussharo below from the Highland Koshimizu Campsite.

Departs from the Lake Onneto campsite to the summit of Mount Akanfuji (阿寒富士). From the summit, you can overlook Lake Onneto and Mount Me-akan with energetic volcanic gas.

#10 - Lake Onneto - Onneto Yunotaki Falls

Lake Onneto - Onneto Yunotaki Falls (オンネトー - オンネトー湯の滝) Trekking to a natural monuments Onneto Yunotaki Falls from the gorgeous Lake Onneto. Touring this route, you can walk through rich primeval forests of Japanese Spruce and mossy rocks. Note: This area is a habitat for brown bears, so be prepared in advance, such as bringing a bear bell.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Akan-Mashu National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Akan-Mashu National Park is Mount Me-akan Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 94 reviews. This trail is 6.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,992 ft.

What is the longest trail in Akan-Mashu National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Akan-Mashu National Park is Lake Akan - Lake Kussharo Road Biking Tour. This trail is estimated to be 41.1 mi long.

How many trails are in Akan-Mashu National Park?

There are 35 trails in Akan-Mashu National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 283 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Akan-Mashu National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Akan-Mashu National Park has you covered. Gomi Onsen - Lake Akan - Lake Saloma Driving Route boasts the most elevation gain with 13,569 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Lake Kussharo - Mount Mashu - Mount Nishibetsu, which will get you 3,959 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Akan-Mashu National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 23 camping trails in Akan-Mashu National Park and the most popular is Mount Me-akan Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 94 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Akan-Mashu National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Akan-Mashu National Park which is Lake Onneto (オンネトー) with an average 4.7 star rating from 17 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Akan-Mashu National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Akan-Mashu National Park and the most popular is Mount Atosanupuri - Lake Mashu with an average 4.0 star rating from 1 community reviews.