Journey to sacred caldera Lake Akan, a UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape, and immerse yourself in the living traditions of the Ainu — Japan's indigenous people — through an intimate performance at the legendary Icolo Theater and a guided walk through the Ainu Kotan village.
What to expect
The drive along the Akan lakeside road is cinematic — forests of silver birch giving way to the vast cobalt surface of the caldera lake, steaming with geothermal vents. At the Ainu Kotan, your guide introduces you to artisans carving intricate woodwork and weaving traditional attukus textile, explaining the spiritual significance of each motif. The Icolo Theater performance is electrifying: firelit, chanted Upopo ceremonial song and the athletic Iyomante bear ritual dance performed by an Ainu troupe in full regalia. Before returning, savour a bowl of Akan's famous chankoro — snow crab noodle soup — at a lakeside restaurant chosen by your guide.
Good to know
Lake Akan is approximately 1.5 hours from the pier; plan a minimum 7-hour shore day. Icolo Theater shows run at set times — confirm schedule at booking and align with all-aboard. Reiko's tours start at 8–9 a.m.; coordinate pier pick-up time at reservation.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kushiro — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Kushiro
- Private Full-Day Kushiro Marshland & Tancho Crane Safari
- Kushiro Marshland Canoe Expedition: Paddle the Wild Heart of Hokkaido
- Red-Crowned Crane & Wildlife Guided Tour: Kushiro's Icon Up Close
- Kushiro City Museum & Nusamai Bridge: A Private Cultural Deep Dive
- Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO & Washo Market: A Luxury Seafood Journey