Tour Lake Akan and see rare marimo algae up close at an island museum

The Akan Sightseeing Cruise offers passengers a rare chance to see marimo, a type of algae that forms into spheres. Before stopping to see marimo, the boat makes a tour of the scenic Takiguchi area, where you can observe wildflowers in spring and summer, fall foliage and other seasonal sights along the shore from the boat. On clear days, you will see spectacular views of Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan from the lake.

A highlight of the cruise is visiting the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island. Here, you can learn about marimo and how they are formed, and you will be able to see marimo up close in an underwater viewing area. The marimo at Akan Lake grow about 5 millimeters per year, with some measuring up to 30 centimeters.

Akan Kanko Kisen, the company that provides this tour, offers various sightseeing cruises from April to November. Choose from a larger boat tour, lasting approximately 85 minutes with regular departures scheduled throughout the day, or consider private motorboat cruises, lasting anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes.