Vital visitor centers
Be sure to head to one of the area’s visitor centers before setting out on any of the hiking trails. The three main centers—the Kawayu Eco-museum Center, the Akankohan Eco-museum Center, and the Wakoto Field House—offer information on the local wildlife and terrain and provide updates on any bear sightings. At the Akankohan Eco-museum Center, you can obtain the latest information regarding volcanic eruptions, and hiking gear rentals and equipment are available at the Kawayu Eco-museum Center.
Akan-Mashu National Park encompasses areas of rough wilderness, and the possibility of volcanic eruptions, bear sightings, and other dangers are real. Staff at the visitor centers can provide the latest information on potential risks and advice for staying safe.
The Kawayu Eco-museum Center is on the Mashu side of the park, west of Kawayu Onsen. The Akankohan Eco-museum Center is on the eastern side of the Akanko Onsen area. Information and advice on trekking the Wakoto Nature Trail is available at the Wakoto Field House.