Top LAKE AKAN Hotels & Resorts [UNSEEN JAPAN][RESEARCH-BASED]

PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING

Lake Akan is a picturesque lake located in Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique marimo—rare, naturally forming green algae balls found only in a few places worldwide.

On its southern shore lies Akanko Onsen, a hot spring resort town offering relaxing baths, scenic lake views, and a variety of accommodations ranging from traditional ryokan to modern hotels. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, lakeside hot springs, and cultural experiences at the nearby Ainu Kotan, a traditional Ainu village showcasing the heritage of Hokkaido’s indigenous people.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE AKAN

Lake Akan is located in eastern Hokkaido and is best reached by rental car, which offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding national park at your own pace. The lake is about an hour’s drive from Kushiro Airport, and roughly 4.5 hours from Sapporo. While buses connect Lake Akan with Kushiro and some nearby towns, services are infrequent, making them less convenient for sightseeing.

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1. AKAN TSURUGA BESSOU HINANOZA

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2. AKAN YUKU NO SATO TSURUGA

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3. LA VISTA AKANGAWA (ADULT-ONLY**)

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4. LAMP NO YADO MORITSUBETSU

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ADDITIONAL TIPS:

1. It is highly recommended to book a room with breakfast when staying near Lake Akan. The area has very few restaurants (mostly in Akanko Onsen). Most open late and close early, making the hotel's breakfast a convenient and reliable choice.

Regarding dinner (and breakfast in some hotels), it is essential to arrive at your hotel's restaurant on time. If you are significantly late, the hotel may refuse to serve you, even if you have already paid for the meal.

2. As with many other destinations in Japan, most public onsens do not permit tattoos. If you wish to enjoy a hot spring experience, it’s best to book accommodations that offer private onsens for a more comfortable and relaxing soak.

3. When booking accommodation near Lake Akan, it’s important to note that some traditional Japanese rooms feature futon bedding laid directly on tatami mats. While this can be a unique and authentic experience, futons may not be suitable for elderly guests or those with mobility issues, as getting up from the floor can be challenging.

For greater comfort and convenience, it is recommended that travelers in these groups choose a room with Western-style beds. Many hotels and ryokans offer both options, so be sure to check room details before making a reservation.

Our Criteria for the list:
Available for booking on multiple platforms
Located near Lake Akan, Hokkaido, Japan
Receive excellent review scores (at least 80%) on all booking platforms
Sufficiently spacious for 2 guests.
All rooms must be air-conditioned.
Facilities must be sufficient for guests to stay with comfort.
No cleanliness or service issues
My personal experience with the accommodation (if any) must be positive.