Posted in Asia, Japan, Sightseeing, Travel, tagged Ainu, Akan National Park, Akanko, Hokkaido, Iou-san, Kawayu Onsen, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Marimo, Mashu-ko on June 29, 2011 |
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The emerald green waters of lake Akan
At least for the foreign tourist, Eastern Hokkaido is off the beaten track. So much that during our stay, we never laid eyes on another foreigner. Since the Northern island of Hokkaido has a cool climate and is not subject to the
rainy season, it is a favorite destination for the Japanese in summer.
Marimo algae balls
Hokkaido is definitely different from the rest of Japan. For one, there is an abundance of sparsely populated space, and therefore also of wildlife (read bears, foxes, deer and owls). Also the vegetation is very different from the rest of Japan. I actually found many plants familiar to me from Switzerland. If it weren’t for the very active volcanism, I would have almost felt at home. Since Hokkaido has been settled systematically only in fairly recent times, also the absence of Japanese culture and history is noticeable. The only old culture present is that of the native
Ainu.
The
Akan National Park is a volcanic hot spot. Is has everything from active volcanoes, crater lakes and hot springs to sulfur vents.
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What better way to escape the smoldering heat island that is Tokyo over the Bon holidays than spending a few days on the breezy Izu Islands? After having enjoyed both hiking and the beach life on Oshima last year, the biggest and closest by of the seven islands, we wanted to try something new this time. Also Niijima (新島), a little further out and considerably smaller, is serviced by the Jet Boat of Tokai Kisen, which makes for a smooth and fast ride. Boasting the “most beautiful beach of the Izu Islands”, it seemed a perfect match. 
