🌋 Sulphur, Smoke & Scenery – Akan-Mashu National Park Experience

Exploring Akan-Mashu National Park was one of the most surreal parts of our Hokkaido journey. As we walked through the park, we were greeted by dramatic landscapes—steam rising from the ground, and sulphur pits scattered across the terrain like something out of a sci-fi movie. The smell of sulphur was strong but bearable, and it really added to the “otherworldly” experience. The terrain was rugged yet strangely beautiful. We could see and hear the hissing vents releasing steam from beneath the earth—it’s a reminder that Hokkaido is a land shaped by volcanic power. The geothermal activity here is intense, and seeing it up close felt raw and awe-inspiring. Apart from the geothermal areas, the natural beauty of the surrounding forested mountains and clear skies made the whole experience even more memorable. We didn’t venture too far into the hiking trails since we were short on time, but the accessible parts of the park still gave us a solid taste of nature’s raw energy. Akan-Mashu is a place that leaves an impression—it’s wild, untamed, and worth a visit if you love nature with a bit of dramatic flair. #summervacay #akanmashunationalpark #hokkaidonature #sulphursprings #volcanicjapan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip