Mount Meakan
Mountain Active cone volcano in Akan with steaming crater
Within Akan National Park Mount Meakan is an active stratovolcano at Lake Akan’s edge; visitors combine crater hikes with lake-side onsen, Ainu cultural sites and guided nature walks.
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Mount Meakan is an active stratovolcano on eastern Hokkaido, Japan, within the Akan area and close to Lake Akan. The summit rises to about 1,499 metres and includes multiple craters.
The mountain is noted for its fumarolic summit and the visible crater area that attract hikers when conditions permit. Trails lead from lakeside settlements up through subalpine forest to steeper alpine slopes and the crater rim.
Meakan has produced frequent small eruptions in the modern era and is monitored by Japanese geological agencies; access to the summit is sometimes restricted for safety. The volcano forms a prominent part of the landscape around Lake Akan and is a focal point for visitors to the national-park area.
It lies in eastern Hokkaido and is accessed from towns around Lake Akan and the Akan national-park facilities.
- Elevation and activity: Summit elevation is about 1,499 metres and the volcano is active, so access is subject to restrictions when activity increases.
What to See #
- Meakan-dake (summit crater): A stratovolcanic cone with one or more summit craters that produce fumarolic activity and small eruptions; the volcano is part of Akan-Mashu National Park.
How to Get to Mount Meakan #
Akan is reachable by bus and car from Kushiro and Obihiro; local tourist services operate from Lake Akan town, which is the usual staging point for hikes and guided tours to Mount Meakan.
Tips for Visiting Mount Meakan #
- Combine a visit with nearby Lake Akan and hot-spring resorts to experience both hiking and regional onsen culture.
- Check volcanic advisories-Meakan is active and access to the crater rim may be restricted during heightened activity.
- Use guided trails and marked routes; fumaroles and unstable ground near the crater require care.
Best Time to Visit Mount Meakan #
Best in summer and early autumn for trail access; always check for volcanic activity advisories before planning a crater visit.
Weather & Climate near Mount Meakan #
Mount Meakan's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1356 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -9°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
