Meakan-dake (1,499 m) is an active stratovolcano in the Akan area of eastern Hokkaido, surrounded by one of the most beautiful lake landscapes in Japan. Akan-ko (Lake Akan) sits at its foot, its waters home to marimo — rare spherical algae colonies found only in a handful of lakes worldwide. The mountain itself smokes from active fumaroles near the summit, and the approach through dense Hokkaido forest opens into a stark volcanic landscape that contrasts sharply with the lush lakeside scenery below.
Why Fukada Chose Meakan-dake
Kyuya Fukada included Meakan-dake (#4) as the representative peak of the Akan volcanic group. He wrote that the mountain's combination of active volcanism and the extraordinary lake environment at its base creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Hyakumeizan. The marimo of Akan-ko — designated a Special Natural Monument — are among Japan's most unusual ecological treasures, and Fukada felt the mountain and its lake were inseparable as a site.
The Mountain
| Elevation | 1,499 m (4,918 ft) |
| Prefecture | Hokkaido |
| Volcano status | Active (fumaroles; occasional alert level changes) |
| Adjacent lake | Akan-ko (Lake Akan) |
| Hyakumeizan rank | #4 |
| Typical season | May – October |
Meakan-dake is the highest peak in the Akan group. Oakan-dake (1,371 m) is a separate, gentler volcano nearby. Active fumaroles near Meakan's summit emit sulphurous gases; the volcanic alert level should be checked before visiting.
The Route
Standard Route: Akan-ko trailhead → Summit
Grade: Moderate
- Distance: ~5 km one way
- Elevation gain: ~900 m
- Time: 3–4 hours ascent, 2–3 hours descent
- Character: Forest lower section, then open volcanic terrain with active fumaroles. The summit area requires care due to gas emissions; do not linger in fumarole zones.
Getting There
From Kushiro: JR Senmo Main Line to Akan-ko via local bus (~3.5 hours total from Kushiro, including bus). Or rental car from Kushiro (~1 hour to Akan-ko Onsen).
From Obihiro: Bus or rental car (~2 hours).
Accommodation base: Akan-ko Onsen is a well-developed onsen resort with multiple hotels and ryokan. An excellent base for Meakan-dake.
Mountain Huts
No staffed summit hut. Day hike from Akan-ko Onsen is standard.
Flora and Wildlife
Hokkaido brown bears (ヒグマ): Present throughout the forested lower approaches. Bear spray and bell mandatory. Akan-ko area has regular bear sightings; the tourist area of the lakeshore is managed but the hiking trail is not.
Marimo (まりも): The spherical algae colonies of Akan-ko are a Special Natural Monument. They are visible in the lake's shallow areas and at the Marimo Exhibition Centre in the onsen village. Do not touch or remove them.
Akan-ko wildlife: The lake and surrounding area have Ezo deer, red foxes, and excellent birding including white-tailed eagles over the lake.
Fumarole zone: The volcanic terrain near the summit supports specialist plants adapted to geothermal soils — unusual species not found on normal mountain terrain.
Seasonal Guide
May – June: Snowmelt; early season. Forest is vivid green. Check volcanic alert level.
July – August: Peak season. Hot at lower elevations; cool on the upper volcanic terrain.
September – October: Autumn colour around Akan-ko is beautiful. First snow possible on summit from October.
Gear List
Mandatory: Bear spray, bear bell, waterproofs, trekking poles, headlamp. Check volcanic alert level (jma.go.jp) before departing.
Practical Tips
Volcanic alert: Meakan-dake's volcanic activity varies. Alert Level 1 is normal; Level 2 restricts access to the summit area. Check jma.go.jp before your visit.
Akan-ko: The lake onsen resort is one of the most attractive in Hokkaido — genuine traditional resort atmosphere, good food (Ainu cuisine available), and the marimo exhibition are all worth time. Budget a full day for the lake even if you climb only half the mountain.
Ainu culture: Akan-ko is one of the most significant centres of living Ainu culture in Hokkaido. The Ikor traditional performance and the Ainu Kotan (village) area are adjacent to the onsen resort. This is genuine cultural engagement, not just tourism.
This guide is part of the Japan's 100 Famous Mountains: Complete Hyakumeizan Guide series.
