Lake Akan — Marimo Moss Balls & Ainu Culture

**Marimo viewing:** The exhibition center on Churui Island displays living marimo in aquarium tanks showing their growth process. The largest specimens (20-30cm) are 150-200 years old. Marimo are sensitive to water quality — Lake Akan's clarity and wave action (which shapes them into spheres) creates ideal conditions. The boat tour includes lake scenery and stops at the island for 30 minutes. Tours run May-November (weather dependent). **Ainu Kotan experience:** The village street (150m) has craft shops selling traditional Ainu carvings (owls, bears, salmon motifs), embroidered textiles, and jewelry. Prices range ¥1,000-30,000. The Ainu Museum (Ikor, ¥1,500) has exhibits on Ainu history, spiritual beliefs, and traditional tools. English signage is limited but the visual exhibits are compelling. **Ainu dance performance:** The Ainu Theater (Ikor, ¥1,500, 30 minutes) presents traditional dances with live singing and instruments (mukkuri jaw harp, tonkori zither). Performances are 4-5 times daily (summer), twice daily (winter). The dances depict nature themes (crane, bear, salmon). Photography allowed without flash. **Onsen:** Akanko Onsen (lake shore) has multiple ryokan and public baths. New Akan Hotel (¥20,000-35,000/person, 2 meals included) has lakeside rotemburo with Mt. Oakan views. Public bath: Marukibune (まりも湯, ¥1,000) offers indoor/outdoor baths with lake views. The mineral-rich water (sulfur, sodium chloride) is excellent for post-hiking relaxation.