Akan River

The Akan River flows south from Lake Akan, running parallel to National Highway Route 240 before emptying into the Pacific Ocean west of Kushiro. One of Hokkaido's largest rivers, it is home to kokanee salmon, white-spotted char, and rainbow trout that feed on the abundant aquatic insects in the water. The ecosystem is sustained by nutrients flowing from Akan's dense surrounding forest, creating a tight relationship between the river and the land it drains. The Akan River is recognized across Japan as a fly-fishing destination, and guided walking tours explore the river basin for those who want to experience the landscape without a rod in hand.