Lake Akan is a town of art (#1 Akan Art Gallery & Art Gift Shop)
In the middle of October, the temperature gradually drops in the Lake Akan Onsen area where Kamuy Lumina is held.
Since it is also the time of year when the beautiful red leaves start turning their colors, the area is crowded with many tourists!
However, early mornings and nights are often cold, and for those living in warmer areas, it may feel like winter!
Autumn is also the season for arts!
The Lake Onsen area is deeply linked to the Ainu culture and is very famous for its traditional handcrafts such as wood carving and embroidery.
Many artists are also inspired by the beautiful natural environment and wildlife around them, to do their paintings, photography, and other artistic activities.
In this article, we will introduce some of the places where you can enjoy this "town of Art, Lake Akan" while strolling around the Lake Akan Onsen Hot Spring Resort area!
Explore how the Lake Akan area became a famous town of art!
Akan Art Gallery & Art Gift Shop, located in the center of Lake Akan Onsen Town, is an art gallery that opened in April 2022.
The first floor is a free admission area where you can view and purchase works by artists who are born, live or related to Lake Akan.
As soon as you enter the entrance, you will see a beautiful picture of an ice bubble on the right hand side, and every time you see it, you may think, "I can't wait to see the snowy landscape of Lake Akan!”
A huge monitor is set up on the left side of the first floor, showing videos about the scenery of different seasons of Akan and the life of the Ainu people.
Sit in a chair made from deer antlers by the window and watch the scenery of Lake Akan, which is very close to nature!
In the back of the building, there is a rest area with Wi-Fi service, where you can take a break and organize the photos and videos you have taken!
The museum sells coffee and tea either!
We especially recommend the Itadori and Ent teas, which offer a "taste of nature"!
It is elegant, slightly sweet, and very refreshing!
When you are sitting in the rest area, watch your back!
There’s a big bear staring at you!
This photo was actually taken in the Akan forest!
While Lake Akan is a famous hot spring resort, it is also home to many wild animals.
The lifestyle of living in harmony with animals, rather than chasing them away, may be a really valuable experience for you.
On the far side of the first floor, shops sell photographs and artwork by artists associated with Lake Akan.
When you enter here, there are so many beautiful photos that will catch your eyes!
If you want to see more photos! please visit the photo gallery exhibition on the second floor!
The photos here are mainly by Makoto Ando, a master outdoor guide (Makoto Ando Photo Exhibition: Ordinary Miracle).
How about experiencing a unique encounter with the animals that "live with us" here through the photographs of Mr. Ando, a professional guide active around the world?
(*There is a charge for the second floor (¥500))
The Akan Art Gallery & Art Gift Shop is located near the cruise ship pier in the center of the hot spring resort area, so be sure to stop by before or after your cruise on Lake Akan!
Next time, we will introduce you to Kotan-ya, which exhibits Ainu culture and items commonly used by the Ainu people! Stay tuned!
Facility information
Akan Art Gallery & Art Gift Shop
Working Hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00 (No closed days)
Admission fee: 1st floor (free), 2nd floor photo exhibition (¥500)
Address: 4-5-7 Akanko-onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido 085-0467
TEL: 0154-64-7751 (9:00-17:00)
Ticket information
■Where can I buy tickets? How is the opening time?
Tickets are available at the official website, hotels around Lake Akan, "Kamuy Lumina" Ticket Booth, and designated travel agencies.
Fees: Adults (junior high school students and older)
Child (elementary school student)
*Preschool children or below are free of charge.
Official website (Ticket purchase page): https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=52386&ac=9000
Starting time changes depending on the sunset time. So be sure to check when planning your trip!
Event times:
May 13 (Sat) - August 9 (Wed) 19:30 - 21:00 (
August 10 (Thursday) - August 31 (Thursday) 19:00 - 21:30
September 1 (Friday) - September 15 (Friday) 18:30 - 21:30
September 16 (Sat) - September 30 (Sat) 18:00 - 21:30
Oct. 1 (Sun) - Nov. 11 (Sat) 17:30 - 21:00 (
This special website will provide information not only about "Kamuy Lumina", but also sightseeing information about the town, Lake Akan Onsen, where this event is held. Please check out the latest and seasonal recommendations here.
We will also announce the release of web articles on Facebook and Instagram.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamuy_lumina/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akan.adventure/
We hope to meet you soon at the event of "Kamuy Lumina"!
阿寒湖森林夜行
郵遞區號085-0467
北海道釧路市阿寒町阿寒湖溫泉1丁目5-20
