[autumn][ Hokkaido Akan Town]Marimo Festival Autumn Festival
The Marimo Festival is a traditional event held every autumn in Akanko Onsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido, and began with the purpose of protecting the "Marimo," a special natural monument of Lake Akan. Marimo are beautiful green, spherical algae that are loved by many people for their unusual shape and unique ecology. The Marimo of Lake Akan are known to grow particularly large, and their conservation efforts have attracted attention not only in Japan but also around the world. This festival is closely related to the traditional Ainu culture, and through the Ainu ritual "Kamuinomi," it is an opportunity to raise awareness of gratitude for nature and the protection of Marimo. The Marimo Festival is not just a tourist event, but a cultural event with a sense of mission to protect the natural resources of the region. A variety of programs are available during the festival, and eye-catching events such as the Marimo Dance Parade and the Torch Parade attract tourists. In addition, lectures and observation sessions are held to learn more about the ecology and habitat of Marimo, which is very beneficial as part of nature education. This festival is a valuable opportunity for local residents and tourists to come together and experience traditional culture and nature conservation. By learning about traditional Ainu culture and the Marimo ecosystem, visitors are taught the importance of coexisting with nature.
What is the Marimo Festival? Its Appeal and History
The Marimo Festival is a traditional event held every autumn in Akanko Onsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido, and began with the purpose of protecting the "Marimo," a special natural monument of Lake Akan. Marimo are beautiful green, spherical algae that are loved by many people for their unusual shape and unique ecology. The Marimo of Lake Akan are known to grow particularly large, and their conservation efforts have attracted attention not only in Japan but also around the world. This festival is closely related to the traditional Ainu culture, and through the Ainu ritual "Kamuinomi," it is an opportunity to raise awareness of gratitude for nature and the protection of Marimo. The Marimo Festival is not just a tourist event, but a cultural event with a sense of mission to protect the natural resources of the region. A variety of programs are available during the festival, and eye-catching events such as the Marimo Dance Parade and the Torch Parade attract tourists. In addition, lectures and observation sessions are held to learn more about the ecology and habitat of Marimo, which is very beneficial as part of nature education. This festival is a valuable opportunity for local residents and tourists to come together and experience traditional culture and nature conservation. By learning about traditional Ainu culture and the Marimo ecosystem, visitors are taught the importance of coexisting with nature.
Marimo Festival highlights and event details
The highlight of the Marimo Festival is the variety of events that take place. One of the highlights of the festival is the "Marimo Dance March", where local residents and tourists march while holding marimo in their hands, creating a unique atmosphere that is unique to the festival. This dance march is imbued with the meaning of welcoming, protecting, and sending off the marimo, and participants can enjoy it while feeling its significance. In addition, the "Toy Flame March" that takes place at night attracts visitors with its fantastic sight lit by the light of the flames. The moment when the light of the torches illuminates the area around Lake Akan and the silence of nature and the flickering flames blend together will leave a deep impression on visitors. The festival also features a competition of Ainu folk dances, allowing visitors to experience the music and dance of Ainu culture up close. In addition, there are lectures where you can learn about the ecology and conservation activities of marimo, and observation tours where you can actually visit the habitat of marimo. Through these events, participants can gain a deeper understanding of marimo and the natural environment of Lake Akan, and have an opportunity to think about the importance of nature conservation. It's a great opportunity for families and visitors with children to have an educational yet fun experience.
How to get to the Marimo Festival and enjoy sightseeing
To participate in the Marimo Festival, access to Lake Akan Onsen is important. Traveling from Kushiro City, Hokkaido to Lake Akan Onsen by bus or car is common, and direct buses are also available from Kushiro Airport, making it relatively easy to get there. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, so your expectations will rise from the start of your trip. Many tourists will visit on the day of the festival, so it is recommended to arrive early and secure parking and accommodation. In between festivals, it is also fun to stroll around Lake Akan Onsen Town. The hot spring town is dotted with shops selling local specialties and souvenirs, as well as facilities where you can experience Ainu culture, so you can enjoy not only the Marimo Festival but the entire area. The nature around Lake Akan is also attractive. A cruise on the lake on a sightseeing boat is one of the popular activities where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains. In addition, the hot springs in the hot spring town of Lake Akan Onsen are also recommended to soothe your tired body. In particular, taking a hot spring after the festival will refresh your body and further increase your satisfaction with the trip. In this way, a travel plan centered around the Marimo Festival will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy both a cultural experience and nature tourism.
[Autumn Festival]Other recommended spots
Sapporo Autumn Fest: Enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food
Hokkaido Sapporo City
A short walk from Odori Subway Station or Nishi 11-chome Station on the Tozai Line
Ishikari Salmon Festival A celebration of autumn leaves and local culture
Hokkaido Ishikari City
Take the Chuo Bus from Sapporo Terminal to "Ishikari Onsen-mae" or the last stop, then walk for about 5 minutes.
Indian Waterwheel Festival Autumn Festival
Hokkaido Chitose City
About 15 minutes walk from JR Chitose Line "Chitose Station"
Hakodate Squid Festival An autumn festival using local ingredients
Hokkaido Hakodate City
3 minutes walk from Matsukazecho tram stop
Nemuro pacific saury Festival Autumn Festival
Hokkaido Nemuro City
About 2 hours by car from Kushiro City.
Marimo Festival Autumn Festival
Hokkaido Akan Town
Take the Akan Bus from Kushiro Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line to Lake Akan Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop
Furano Wine Festival Wine and Autumn Taste Experience
Hokkaido Furano City
Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
Iwamizawa Hyakumochi Festival Autumn Festival
Hokkaido Iwamizawa City
About 5 minutes walk from JR Iwamizawa Station
Hakodate MOMI-G Festa Autumn Festival
Hokkaido Hakodate City
From JR Hakodate Main Line "Hakodate Station" take the 82 Hakodate Bus for about 40 minutes, get off at "Kosetsuen" and walk for 1 minute