3-Day Akan Winter Itinerary by a Local

If you’re heading to Eastern Hokkaido in winter, Akan is one of the best places to enjoy snowy landscapes, relaxing onsen baths, and unique Ainu culture, all without needing a car.

As someone who grew up in the region and had many weekend trips to Akan, I know exactly how to spend perfect 3 days in winter Akan!

This car-free itinerary will guide you through everything: the best winter activities, recommended onsen hotels, and transportation tips so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Getting to Akan

How to get to Akan

If you’re driving, it takes roughly an hour to reach Akan from either Memanbetsu Airport or Kushiro Airport.

(But I don’t recommend driving in winter, unless you’re a pro driver on icy roads!)

Prefer public transport? Buses depart about five times daily from both JR Kushiro Station and Kushiro Airport. The journey from JR Kushiro Station takes around 2 hours (2,750 yen), while from Kushiro Airport it’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes (2,190 yen).

Check the latest bus schedules on the official Akan Bus website.

Where to Stay in Akan

You’ll find many hot spring hotels along the lakefront in Akan. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and unwind in an onsen!

From February to mid-March every year, you can enjoy a firework show on the frozen lake every evening.

💡My tip: In Akan, book a plan with dinner included. Many restaurants close at night in Akan, so having dinner at your hotel makes your trip much easier.

For onsen lovers: The Forest Akan

My go-to hotel is The Forest Akan. This hotel has been recently renovated and rebranded in 2025, but my family and I have been long-time customers here over a decade!

I love that it’s a mid-sized hotel, so it doesn’t get crowded with big tour groups. You have direct access to the lake here.

The hot spring water is the best quality in town in my opinion, and their buffet meals are great too. But the best perk is that if you stay here, you get to enjoy onsen at 2 hotels!

👀 Read my full review of The Forest Akan

For families: New Akan Hotel

New Akan Hotel is one I keep recommending to family travelers, and yes I also love staying here with my family!

Because this hotel is a mix-gender rooftop onsen with the panorama lake view, so your whole family can enjoy it together. No worries, bathing wear is provided by the hotel for free.

You’ll also have direct access to the lake here.

👀 Read my full review of New Akan Hotel

Day 2: Winter Activities on Frozen Lake

When Lake Akan freezes between January and March, it becomes a winter wonderland. Many fun winter activities are offered on the frozen lake.

Get your warm jacket and go active! This is a perfect way to spend a day for outdoor lovers and families with kids.

Ice fishing

Have you ever tried ice fishing? Here in Lake Akan, you can fish smelts in a tent on the frozen lake.

Once you catch enough of them, bring them to a nearby restaurant that makes tempura with the fish for you. The tempura service is included in the fishing fee, which is 1,500 yen per included fishing gear set.

In case you don’t have much time to spend on ice fishing, there is an easier and quicker option for you in a fishing pond. It uses a simple rod with a fish hook, which allows you to catch 1-2 fish in a minute. The fee is 600 yen for 30 min, not including the tempura service. But make sure to try the freshly made tempura, it’s delicious.

2. Snowmobile

Getting on a snowmobile and running around on the frozen lake is a thrilling and super fun activity here. You will enjoy the beautiful landscape of the surrounding nature.

Never driven a snowmobile? No worries. The staff will give you a brief on how to drive the vehicle before a ride.

There are several routes available in different lengths; 2,000 m for 1,500 yen, 4,000 m for 2,000 yen, 7,000 m for 2,500 yen, and 10,000 m for 3,000 yen.

3. Banana Boat

This is a great activity to enjoy with friends and family. It offers an exciting and shaky ride on the ice! Up to 8 people can get on a boat at a time. The fee is just 500 yen per adult and 300 yen per child.

4. Ice Skating

You will not easily find a total open-air ice skating link like this anywhere else. It’s so refreshing to skate on the frozen lake, surrounded by nature.

The fee is 1,000 yen for one hour with shoe rental included.

5. Cross Country skiing

Another cool activity to try here is cross country skiing on the frozen lake. This is great for those who are not so familiar with being on the ice, as cross country skiing is easier than ice skating.

The fee is 1,000 yen for two hours including ski rental.

Day 3: Explore the Town

Lake side Morning walk

Yes, it’s freezing in the early morning in Hokkaido in winter. But a beautiful morning view of the frozen Lake Akan is definitely worth bearing the coldness.

Check with your hotel if they have direct access to the lakeside, which many hotels in Akan do. If not, you can just go to the lakeside from the public parking area near the lake.

Enjoy the sunrise if you can wake up early enough. It’s stunning. And the best part? Dipping in a hot spring after the walk!

Ainu Kotan

Before you head to the next destination, make sure to visit Ainu Kotan located just one block away from the main street.

Ainu is the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and Ainu Kotan means “Ainu community“ in their language. Akan is home to about 120 Ainu people, which is one of the biggest Ainu communities in Hokkaido.

In Ainu Kotan here, you can find many Ainu traditional craft shops, as well as museum and theater exhibitions to learn about Ainu’s unique culture and history.

Your next steps

Hope you are ready to plan your winter trip to Akan with this itinerary!

Where to go next after Akan? Go to Shiretoko for drift ice walk or Abashiri for drift ice cruise.

If you are looking for a longer itinerary that includes Akan, check out my 7-day itinerary and 10-day itinerary covering major winter attractions, and this 5-day budget winter trip, of course, both without a car.

Happy trip planning!