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Akan-Mashū NP, Hokkaido
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Past the 9th marker, the route follows the rim above Akako, or Red Pond. Japan’s Meteorological Agency dates the crater’s opening to about 400 years ago, when magma met water; steam still rises nearby.
Two alpine flowers found here carry Meakan in their names: yellow Meakan-kinbai and white Meakan-fusuma. They also grow elsewhere in Hokkaido, but this volcano is where both were first discovered.
The climb begins in spruce forest on nutrient-poor volcanic soil; many trees on these slopes are said to be over 260 years old. By the 5th marker, the forest opens to views over Lake Onneto.
Local tradition pairs Meakan and Mt. Oakan as mountain spouses. In Ainu, Meakan is Matne-siri (“female mountain”) and Oakan is Pinne-siri (“male mountain”); the “female” peak is actually taller: 1,499 m to 1,370 m.
“Meakan” is not just one volcanic cone: Japan’s Meteorological Agency describes a group of 8 small volcanoes, including Akan Fuji. The 1,499-m high point reached by the trail is Ponmachineshiri.
Ainu people used the mineral-rich spring at the foot of this trail before the first modern inn opened there. More inns grew around it, and the cluster became known as Meakan Onsen.
In 2009, the fourth-generation innkeeper at nearby Nonaka Onsen started a volcano school with expert instructors. The community program later added workshops on snowshoeing, lake nature, stargazing, hot springs and birds.
