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Usitour
Viewpoint

Lake Akan Summer Observatory

📍 4-4 Shurikomabetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido
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4.2/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan
Category
Viewpoint
Duration
About 20-30 minutes
Address
4-4 Shurikomabetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido
Coordinates
43.4667, 144.0995

Introduction

The Lake Akan Summer Observatory (Akan Lakeside Observatory) sits inside the national Akan Lakeside Ski Area on Mount Shira-yu, at about 530 metres in Kushiro's Akan-cho, and is free. A ramp opens onto sweeping views of Lake Akan, Mount Oakan and the Akan caldera; it runs from mid-May to October and closes in winter.

✨ Highlights

1
530 m terrace
Inside the ski area, reached by a gentle ramp.
2
Lake and volcano
Lake Akan framed by Mount Oakan's bulk.
3
Caldera view
The vast bowl of the Akan caldera below.
4
Reclining chairs
Deck chairs for listening to the forest.
5
Free parking
Free entry with about 300 parking spaces.
6
Green season only
Open mid-May to October, from fresh green to autumn red.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：4-4 Shurikomabetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro
→Time needed：about 20-30 minutes
→Highlights：Lake Akan, Mount Oakan, the caldera
→Nearby：Akan Onsen, Ainu village
→Opening Hours：Mid-May to October, 7:00-18:00 (May and October 9:00-17:00); closed in winter

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free admission

Transportation

Driving/Parking

About 2 km by car from Akan Onsen; free parking on site

Note

About 85 min from Kushiro Station, 65 min from Kushiro Airport

💡 Tips

• About 2 km by car from the Akan Onsen town; driving or a taxi is easiest.
• Hours run about 7:00-18:00; May and October 9:00-17:00.
• Closed from November to mid-May; plan within the green season.
• Wind is strong up top; bring a jacket even in summer.
• Combine with Akan Onsen, the Ainu village and the marimo centre.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Lake Akan Summer Observatory?

Mid-May to October, 7:00-18:00 (May and October 9:00-17:00); closed in winter

How much is the admission for Lake Akan Summer Observatory?

Adult: Free; Free admission

Any practical tips for visiting Lake Akan Summer Observatory?

About 2 km by car from the Akan Onsen town; driving or a taxi is easiest. Hours run about 7:00-18:00; May and October 9:00-17:00.

How long should I spend at Lake Akan Summer Observatory?

A typical visit takes About 20-30 minutes.

How do I get to Lake Akan Summer Observatory?

Driving/Parking: About 2 km by car from Akan Onsen; free parking on site