Journeys in Japan

The indigenous Ainu lives in Hokkaido, Japan's most northern main island. Our reporter, Shakuhachi player John Kaizan Neptune, visits the shores of Lake Akan to experience Ainu culture, including its music. He meets a master wood carver of forest animals and learns from him about Ainu life in olden times. He also discovers the musical instrument called the Mukkuri. From its evocative sounds he gets a sense of the Ainu's worship of nature.

Lake Akan Boat Cruising
Cruising is a great way to take in the natural beauty of Lake Akan. The stop at the Marimo Observation Center is also popular.
www.akankisen.com/_eng/index.html

Fee:	1,850yen/Adult
	960yen/Child

Woodcraftsman Takeki Fujito
You can see Fujito's work at the Tsuruga Wings Hotel on the shores of Lake Akan.
www.tsuruga.com/ (in Japanese only)

Ainu Kotan Village
Some 30 shops sell woodwork and other handmade crafts. There is also a theater for traditional Ainu music and dance performances. Visitors can also join a Mukkuri making workshop.
www.akanainu.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Ainu Restaurant "Poronno"
Poronno serves traditional cuisine featuring deer, salmon, and mountain vegetables.
www.poronno.com/

For more information on Akan tourism, visit:
www.lake-akan.com/en/index.html

Access:To reach the Akan area, it takes about 1.5 hours by plane from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport. From there it is about an hour by bus.