Meakan Onsen: A Primitive Volcanic Sanctuary in the Silent Heart of Akan
Deep within the ancient spruce forests of the Akan-Mashu National Park, at the western base of the active Mt. Meakan, lies Meakan Onsen—a destination for the onsen purist and the wilderness seeker. Known to locals as “Nonaka Onsen” after its most famous historic inn, this hot spring area is a world away from the commercial hotels of Lake Akan. It is a place of raw geological power, where the air is thick with the scent of sulfur and the water is delivered in its most potent, untreated form. Surrounded by the “Five-Colored” Lake Onneto and primeval forests that have stood for centuries, Meakan Onsen provides a spiritual and physical reset. Whether you are preparing for a grueling trek to the steaming craters of Mt. Meakan or seeking a quiet soak as the northern wind rustles the Sakhalin spruces, Meakan provides a profound sense of “Life at the Foot of a Goddess.”
Key Information
| Address | 〒089-3964 北海道足寄郡足寄町上利別 / Kamitoshibetsu, Ashoro Town, Ashoro District, Hokkaido |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
| Spring Quality | Acidic Sulfur Springs (Hydrogen Sulfide-type) |
| Benefits | Neuralgia, chronic skin diseases (eczema), diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatism |
| Access | 20 min by taxi from Akanko Onsen town; 90 min by car from Kushiro Airport |
| Number of Ryokans | A tiny cluster of 1-2 historic lodges (e.g., Nonaka Onsen) |
| Day-trip Bathing | Widely available at Nonaka Onsen from early morning until late evening |
The Healing Waters: Acidic Sulfur and “Melanin Metabolism”
The waters of Meakan Onsen are among the most geologically “fresh” in Hokkaido. Scientifically, these are acidic sulfur springs (hydrogen sulfide-type) that gush forth at temperatures around 42°C to 45°C—perfect for immediate bathing without the need for cooling water. The springs are extremely rich in sulfur, which helps to boost melanin metabolism, earning it the reputation for “rejuvenating the skin.” The water is murky, pale blue or milky-white, and has a strong “rotten egg” scent, a visual and olfactory testament to the active magma chamber just a few kilometers beneath your feet. Most importantly, the baths here adhere to the “Gensen Kakenagashi” (100% natural flow) standard, meaning the water is never recirculated, filtered, or chemically treated, preserving the mineral ions in their most bioactive state.
Top Recommended Stays & Bases
- Nonaka Onsen (Historic Heritage): The heartbeat of Meakan. This legendary wooden lodge features all-cypress indoor baths and a rustic outdoor bath where you can see the volcano through the trees. Note: After a fire in early 2025, parts of the facility are being rebuilt—check the latest status before your visit.
- Onneto Campground (Wilderness Base): Located near the lake, this is the top pick for international hikers and campers who want to soak at Meakan after a day of climbing.
- Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza (Nearby Luxury): For those wanting five-star comfort, staying in Akanko town allows for a short day-trip to Meakan’s primitive springs while enjoying luxury suite amenities at night.
- La Vista Akangawa (Nature/Boutique): Tucked away by the river near Akanko, this hotel serves as a modern alternative for nature lovers who want a resort base with easy access to the Meakan trailheads.
Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)
Meakan is a “single-point” resort where **Nonaka Onsen** acts as the central “Soto-yu.” For just 350 yen (traditional fee), you can experience some of the highest-rated sulfuric water in Japan. There are no fancy amenities—just pure wood, stone, and the earth’s heat. For a free experience, the Onneto Yunotaki Falls is a short drive away; it is a geothermal waterfall where warm mineral water cascades over a cliff. While bathing in the falls is currently restricted to protect the rare manganese deposits, the observation area allows you to feel the geothermal mist in the forest air.
Walking Guide & Scenic Spots
Exploration on foot is essential. The **Mt. Meakan Summit Hike** is a 4-to-5-hour loop that takes you past active fumaroles and offer a breathtaking view of the emerald crater lake and the nearby Akanfuji. Next, visit Lake Onneto (The Five-Colored Lake); this pristine caldera lake changes color from turquoise to emerald depending on the sunlight and viewing angle. Follow the Onneto Nature Trail, a gentle 2.5-kilometer circuit through primary forest where you can see rare mosses and the elusive pika. In winter, the lake surface becomes a silent kingdom of “Ice Bubbles,” and snowshoeing tours from Meakan Onsen allow you to explore the frozen volcanic landscape in absolute solitude.
Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs
The culinary pride of the region is Ezo-shika (Venison) and Himemasu (Kokanee Salmon). Try the “Nonaka Venison Stew” or grilled mountain trout at local lodges. Ashoro Town is also famous for its **Giant Butterbur (Akoro-fuki)**, which can grow up to 3 meters tall; try the pickled stalks as a local delicacy. For souvenirs, look for **Ainu Woodcarvings** (the iconic owls) and local **Onneto Blue glassware**. Don’t miss the “Mashu Melon” if visiting in August, known for its extreme sweetness due to the mountain temperature differences.
Cultural & Historical Context
The name Meakan comes from the Ainu word Me-akan, meaning “Female Akan,” named in contrast to the nearby Mt. Oakan (Male Akan). Mt. Meakan is considered a sacred mountain by the Ainu, the guardian of the western forests. The history of the onsen began in the late Meiji era as a remote outpost for pioneers and mountaineers. The legacy of the Nonaka Family, who have guarded these springs for generations, is a story of human perseverance in a volatile environment. Today, Meakan is a center for **Volcanic Eco-research**, with scientists from across Japan monitoring the geothermal shifts to understand the life cycle of the Daisetsuzan range.
Practical Travel Tips
- Volcanic Alerts: Mt. Meakan is an active volcano. **Always check the current alert level on the Japan Meteorological Agency website** before attempting a hike. Sirens are active along the trail for emergencies.
- Transportation: There is no public bus to Meakan Onsen. Renting a car from Kushiro or hiring a taxi from Akanko is mandatory.
- Bathing Manners: Due to the high acidity, rinse your body with fresh water at the shower station after bathing to prevent skin irritation. remove all silver jewelry as the sulfur will turn it black instantly.
- Cash: This is a highly remote area; the lodge and local markets are strictly Cash Only.
2025-2026 Latest Updates
Following the reconstruction after the January 2025 fire, Nonaka Onsen has announced the phased reopening of its legendary outdoor rock baths for the 2026 spring season. Additionally, starting in 2025, the Akan-Mashu National Park has introduced new multilingual digital trail maps with GPS tracking to ensure the safety of international hikers traversing the Meakan-Onneto loop.
Safety & Manners
In the onsen, always maintain a quiet and respectful tone to honor the meditative atmosphere of the primary forest. When hiking, stay strictly on the marked paths to avoid dangerous geothermal vents and unstable volcanic soil. Please do not feed the local wildlife, especially the foxes and deer, as they are part of a strictly managed national park ecosystem. Finally, pack out all trash to help maintain the “No. 1 water quality” of Lake Onneto for future generations.
