On the way towards the centre of Hokkaido distant views were fairly few. Joe wanted a view of the mountains and took a turn off towards what he thought might be a view. And we certainly found a view.
This is a sulphur spewing volcano with multiple fumaroles. Quite spectacular scenery!
We camped the night at Lake Akan camping ground (¥620 per person) in pouring rain and wind. It was not nice to wake up to continuing rain in the morning!
So on the shores of Lake Akan we busied ourselves with Ainu culture -first a performance of Ainu song and dance, in their cultural centre.
I was coerced into joining the dance -which I actually enjoyed.
And the Ainu Villiage was very beautiful, with Ainu houses...
And the Ainu street of shops -full of wood carvings -featuring owls, bears, and Ainu patterns. 
There was also the Marimo. These are algal balls which assume a spherical shape because of the specific characterises of depth and wave action in Lake Akan. They were critically endangered until the Ainu started a culture of ceremonies involving Marimo, and an education campaign.
These balls are very popular with aquarists -as long as your fish don't eat algae! There are a lot of souvenir shops selling Marimo in jars and even tins.
But these commercially sold Marimos are not real Lake Akan Marimos. They are hand rolled algae balls from other lakes, because the actual Akan Marimo are protected. People keep the Marimo in jars as pets!
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