Hiking
Hike up to the Mount Hakuto Observatory for wildflowers, hot mud pools and spectacular views of the Akan area
The 950-meter Mount Hakuto is located south of Lake Akan. This nature trail runs from the ski slopes, taking you past streams of hot spring water, bubbling mud pools called bokke and a variety of flowers.
Left: osakuraso (Primula jesoana), Right: ichirinso (Anemone debilis)
The slopes are covered in colorful wildflowers such as osakuraso (Primula jesoana), nirinso (Anemone flaccida) and ichirinso (Anemone debilis) in spring and early summer.
Bokke pools on Mount Hakuto
Lake Akan's shore and the surrounding areas are dotted with hot pools of mud known as bokke. You can hear them bubbling and smell volcanic gases as you make your way up to the mountain.
View from Mount Hakuto Observatory
The Mount Hakuto Observatory is situated at an elevation of 788 meters and has excellent views of Lake Akan, Mount Oakan and parts of Mount Meakan. Snow does not build up here due to geothermal heat. Nearby, you'll find areas with a rare species of moss.
