We came here with a few ideas in mind. From our hotel’s lake view room window, we found a frozen lake. Early morning, we watched some activities: people on snow mobiles circling the frozen Lake Akan along designated paths, a lone snow mobile dragging a banana boat filled with screaming people, and snow buggies! From a distance, it really looked like fun. I can hardly contain my childish excitement over breakfast as a mantle of snow fully covered the Lake near this Ainu Village. For good measure, I had to ask our guide Nobu-san if the ice is thick enough considering such a flurry of snow activities.

Riding through the snow 🕸🎼🎹

Ice Land Akan is one winter attraction not to be missed here in Kushiro. The lake surface gets thoroughly iced and both kids and adults can enjoy many snow rides and activities plus fireworks and an Ainu Festival Performance at night. The colourful banners and tents, the ice slide along with some snow sculptures of the much revered owls and bears dot the frozen surface that now serve as playground. The rides include a snow mobile-pulled banana ride, snow buggies and the snow mobiles. I think I also saw some paddle boards and small groups intent to do ice fishing. What to fish? I hear it’s lake smelt called wakasagi by locals. Yum.

The snow mobiles follow paths hemmed in by colourful banners depending on how long you’re riding. It’s a breeze sneaking into a tent to choose and fit a helmet , then choosing your ride. On a banana boat, I thought I tried taking a video — good for a few secs, then you hear only the screaming as the boat twisted and turned. And the snow buggies? The old boys got a high riding and racing them! Just like me getting a high on the snow mobile. ⛄️🥶🌨

What a high!

With Megumi and Nobu-san. 👏👏👏

The evening program included a bonfire and some performance numbers by the Ainu tribe. Fire 🔥 is a significant element to this people as it provides warmth and light. The improvised stage was lighted in varying colours and the revered owl was the centerpiece. A bonfire was set at the end of the evening program. On this night, you don’t mind being squished by the crowd as temps hit the floor. You bet the fireworks capped the night!