Product Description

October 8 (Tuesday) – October 10 (Thursday)
Venue: Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan

Celebrate nature, tradition, and indigenous Ainu culture at one of Hokkaido’s most unique and heartfelt festivals — the Marimo Festival in Akanko Onsen. Held every October, the festival is dedicated to honoring the mystical marimo algae balls of Lake Akan and giving thanks to the god of nature. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the festival, promising a deeply spiritual and memorable experience.

All events are free to attend and open to the public, with select programs requiring reservations or Japanese language proficiency.

What is Marimo?

Marimo (Aegagropila linnaei) are rare, naturally occurring spherical algae that grow in Lake Akan, found only in select locations worldwide. Revered for their mystical qualities and considered a symbol of harmony and environmental purity, the marimo is a natural treasure of Japan and officially designated a National Special Natural Monument.

Festival Schedule

October 8 (Tuesday)

• 10:00 AM – Talks About Marimo (Eco-Museum Center)
  Language: Japanese only | Reservation required
  Learn about the history, biology, and cultural significance of marimo.
• 1:00 PM – Marimo Observation Tour
  Participation only for those attending the morning talk | Japanese language comprehension required
  A rare chance to access restricted areas to observe marimo in their natural habitat.

October 9 (Wednesday)

• 1:00 PM – Parade from Eco-Museum Center to Ainu Kotan
  Arrival at Ainu Kotan expected by 2:00 PM.
• 2:00 PM – 70th Memorial Ceremony Talk (Ainu Theater Ikor)
  A special presentation commemorating seven decades of cultural celebration and environmental respect.
• 7:30 PM – Marimo Welcoming Ceremony
  A sacred ritual at Lake Akan, signaling the beginning of the evening festivities.
• 7:45 PM – Torch Parade (Lake to Ainu Kotan)
  A moving torchlit procession led by Ainu elders and community members.
• 8:30 PM – Dance Festival (Ainu Theater Ikor)
  Enjoy traditional Ainu dance performances in a theatrical setting filled with spiritual energy.

October 10 (Thursday)

• 10:00 AM – Ceremony at Ainu Kotan
  A spiritual ritual to express gratitude to nature and Lake Akan.
• 10:30 AM – Parade from Ainu Kotan to the Lake
  Participants escort the marimo back to the lake in a heartfelt procession.
• 11:30 AM – Marimo Sending Ceremony (at the Lake)
  A symbolic ritual to return the marimo to its natural habitat, closing the festival with prayers for the environment and future generations.

Venue Information

Location:
Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Akanko Onsen, Akancho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan

Access:

• Approximately 80 minutes by car from JR Kushiro Station
• About 1 hour drive from Kushiro Airport

Contact Information:
Phone: 0154-67-3200
Fax: 0154-67-3024
Email: tour@lake-akan.com
Website: lake-akan.com (English/Japanese)

Additional Notes

• While most events are open to all, participation in certain programs requires understanding of the Japanese language due to the lack of translation services.
• The Ainu Theater “Ikor” and surrounding Ainu Kotan village offer cultural experiences beyond the festival, including traditional crafts, performances, and local cuisine.