Marimo Festival

A festival to protect Lake Akan’s Marimo, a designated Special Natural Monument of Japan

The Marimo Festival began in 1950 as a way to protect Lake Akan’s Marimo, a Special Natural Monument of Japan, and return them to the lake. The Marimo is recognized as an endangered species by the Ministry of the Environment, and experts believe that Lake Akan is the only place grown Marimo can be found. The festival is held over three days in early October each year, and Ainu people from all over Hokkaido gather to perform their traditional ceremony, kamuynomi. Highlights include a large torch parade and Ainu ancient ceremonial dance performance.