It is often said that Hokkaido is a different “country” all on its own. This northernmost tip of Japan is the country’s second-largest island, which became a full-fledged prefecture only in 1947. While the capital Sapporo may be the most frequented destination, the eastern region of Kushiro abounds in national parks, wildlife, a huge…
The wild celebrities of Japan s national parks
Discover spherical algae balls, majestic sea eagles, giant salamanders and more in Akan-Mashu National Park and Daisen-Oki.
In winter, red-crowned cranes can be seen performing a bonding dance in and around Akan-Mashu National Park, in northern Japan. The parkland is a habitat for more than 150 bird species.
Published July 19, 2021
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Among the underwater flora of Lake Akan, in northern Japan,
Aegagropila linnaei is a rock star. It isn’t only phycologists who are fascinated by this freshwater algae. Tourists come from around the country to see it. Local businesses sell algae-inspired sweets, stuffed toys and grow-your-own-algae hobby kits. There’s even an annual algae festival and a bright green algae mascot.