See the sunlight filtering through the trees in the Forest of Light, and experience timeless nature and Ainu culture passed down across generations.
Preserved through the efforts of the Maeda Ippoen Foundation, the Forest of Light on the shore of Lake Akan is known for its beautiful views of sunlight filtering through trees. Together with a guide, discover its rich untouched nature that changes with the seasons, blooming with flowers in summer and mushrooms in autumn. You can also learn about its flora and fauna that have supported the lives of the Ainu, as well as landscapes the reveal the origins of Lake Akan. Go on a leisurely stroll while experiencing the deep connection between nature and the Ainu.
The blessings of life spread across the forest
Located not far from the Akanko Onsen area, the Forest of Light is in a land managed by the Maeda Ippoen Foundation, and is not normally accessible to the general public. The tour begins with an Ainu prayer ritual before entering the forest with the guide. The untouched nature abounds with a variety of plants that the Ainu have used in their daily lives. For the Ainu, the forest is not merely a place of nature, but a sacred area where they coexist with Kamuy. The guide will tell you all about Ainu culture and its connections with the forest.
See the origins of Lake Akan at the Bokke mud volcano
The Forest of Light flows with streams that spread precious nutrients, sustaining the wildlife of the area. After passing by the murmuring streams, you will eventually reach a clearing where you will find the Bokke, a volcanic mud pool with temperatures close to 100℃. Formed through past volcanic activity of Mt. Oakan, here you can smell the scent of sulfur and see gases bubbling through the mud. It is a place where you can feel the power of the Earth and how it formed the volcanoes and hot springs of the area.
Feel the connections between the forest and the Ainu
As you venture deeper into the forest, you will find some extraordinarily huge trees. One of them is an awe-inspiring katsura tree estimated to be over 800 years old, a majestic presence that conveys the grandeur of nature. Its trunk spans several meters in diameter, and its branches stretch so high that they can be hard to see. Here, the only sounds you can hear are the chirping of the birds, the rustling of the leaves, and your own breath. Breathe in the fresh air to feel as if you’ve become one with nature. Listen to the sounds of nature while reflecting on the Ainu people’s deep reverence for this land.
- All photos are for illustration purposes only.
Information
| Tour name | tour3 Forest of Light – Forest trip to meet Kamuy |
| Itinerary | ① Meetup at Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor ② Kamuy-nomi (prayer) experience ③ Guided walk in the Forest of Light ④ Talk with a guide in the forest ⑤ Finish at Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor |
| Available period | June to October(Closed from November to May, not available from October 6th to 10th) |
| Start time | 10:00～ |
| Duration | About 2 hours |
| Meetup location | Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor ※See map below for detailed location. |
| Fee | (Adult/Child) ¥15,000 per person (tax incl.) ※Credit cards not accepted. |
| Age limit | 7 years old and up. Children below 7 years may not join. Children aged 7 to 10 years must be accompanied by an adult (16 years old and up). If you are aged 11 to 15 years and joining by yourself, please inquire in advance. |
| Participants | Minimum 2, maximum 10 |
| Included in fee | Guide fee, activity fee, tax |
| Not included in fee | Transportation costs to the venue |
| Reservation deadline | At least 10 days in advance (May be available to book even after the 10-day advance deadline. Please inquire for details.) |
| Required items to bring | Comfortable clothes and shoes (or cold weather gear in winter) ※Some places may get muddy depending on the season or weather. |
| Convenient items to bring | Hat, backpack or other hands-free bag, rain gear |
| Payment method | Please pay by cash at the Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor counter before the start of the tour. |
| Notes | ■Please be at the meetup location at least 15 minutes before the start time. ■The tour may be changed or cancelled due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. ■Tours are available in either Japanese or English. If you would like guide service in English, please select it in the language preference on the reservation form. There is an additional charge of 3,000 yen per person. Please note that we may not be able to meet your request on certain days. ■Since the tour involves walking on unpaved forest trails, children below the age limit may not join. |
| Cancelation Rules | The below cancelation fees will be charged if you cancel your reservation during the following times: ・1 to 3 days before tour: 50% of tour fee ・Day of tour: 100% ・After tour starts or no show: 100% |