December 9th 2019

Paradise of natural phenomenon

Have you ever heard of “frost flower”?, “ice bubbles”? They are very rare natural phenomenon observed in the places under very harsh winter conditions. Today, I’m introducing you to some exceptional scenery which can be seen here in Hokkaidō, the northernmost island of Japan. Let’s get it started!

Lake Akan

Lake Akan, lies in Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaidō, is one of the best places to witness such fantastic phenomenon as air temperature often drops under – 20 degrees ( -4°F ) during winter season. Lake Akan was formed by the volcanic eruptions around 10.000 years ago. The surrounding volcanoes have been keeping silence for the latest decades, but they’re still active and small-scale of activities can be seen around.

Early December, at 7:30 a.m., the air temperature has dropped to minus 23 degrees Celsius( -9.4°F ). It’s a beautiful sunny day with no wind. We started walking on the frozen lake towards Mt. Oakan which stands in the east of the lake. It is a symbolic mountain of the area.

Frost flowers

Because the lake is in an active volcanic zone, hot springs are constantly gushing from the bottom. It’s in the beginning of winter. On our way, we can see many white patches floating on the lake surface. What are they? They are called “frost flowers” that bloom in the dead of winter. Because the ice is so thin and clear that I can’t believe it is frozen. But actually it is. Hence, the flowers look like floating on the water.

The process of forming flowers is like this. When the steam rising from the water pass through thin ice surface, it freezes and gets crystalized on the surface. This process is repeated and ice crystal patches are piled up in layers and form exquisite patterns which look like real flowers blooming on the crystal clear water. The flower patterns depend on the weather conditions they are formed. They are completed before dawn and then, disappear when they are exposed to the sunlight. Their life is fleeting.

Ice bubbles

Let’s go continue exploring. Because the ice is so clear, I can even see the bottom of the lake which make me hesitant to walk on it. Very scary at first, I’m afraid that the ice would break and I’d fall down, but soon I noticed that the ice is enough thick ( 5-10 inches ). I then saw a cluster of bubbles appear on the ice surface. They are called ” Ice bubbles”. They are formed when the thermal hot spring water and gases get trapped in the ice formation.

The lake surface is relatively calm even in harsh weather conditions as it is surrounded by high mountains and thick forests.

Akanko Onsen

Akanko Onsen, a small hot spring town, is best located to explore Lake Akan by yourself. The tourist information center, whose staffs attends to the visitors in multiple languages, is in the middle of the town.

Best season

Best season to observe such exceptional phenomenon is from mid-December to early January when the ice surface is clear and thin and all the objects pop out and reflected on the crystal clear ice surface. Then, in February when the snow falls in deep layers, they no longer look beautiful.

Reservation & Inquiry

Reservation and inquiry for this tour

Access

Haneda Airport ( 1 hour 30 min. flight )⇒Kushiro Airport（1 hour drive )⇒Akanko Onsen

Map Code: 739 342 604*51

Another beautiful experience by Hiro & Noki