#Adventure Travel #Ainu Culture #Tomoko Yamaguchi

Discovering Ainu Culture and Nature with Tomoko Yamaguchi

The November 2025 edition of the digital magazine 'Tabiiro' has just been released, featuring renowned actress Tomoko Yamaguchi on the cover. This issue focuses on adventure travel, showcasing the picturesque Akanko area in Hokkaido. Yamaguchi guides readers through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Lake Akan, which is nestled within the pristine Akankoshinrin National Park.

In this edition, Yamaguchi, who recently served as a lecturer on adventure travel for 'Tabiiro’s School for Thoughtful Travel', takes us along on her journey through Akanko. The area is celebrated for its unspoiled nature, where diverse flora and fauna thrive in a region recognized as one of Eastern Hokkaido's most beautiful spots. Visitors can enjoy hiking while feeling the breath of nature beneath the majestic Mt. Meakan. In Ainu Kotan, where Ainu culture comes to life, travelers can engage in cultural experiences, including crafts and traditional dances. Yamaguchi shares her personal encounters and experiences, providing a unique perspective on this adventure.

Additionally, the magazine includes interviews with local nature guides who define adventure travel as a trip that encompasses at least two of three elements: activities, nature experiences, and cultural experiences. This perspective offers insights into the growing appeal of adventure travel in recent years.

A Journey with a Purpose: A Glimpse of Tomoko Yamaguchi’s Experience

As someone who regards travel as a cornerstone of her life, Yamaguchi explores Akanko, a hub of rich nature and vibrant Ainu culture. One of her eagerly anticipated activities was 'KAMUY LUMINA', an immersive night walk by Lake Akan. Reflecting on her experience, she expresses the profound realization: “The spirit of the Ainu, who have coexisted harmoniously with nature, is a value we should strive to reclaim in our modern lives.”

Yamaguchi also discusses her decade-long project titled 'LISTEN.', which aims to capture and showcase beautiful musical cultures from around the world through a visual library. She notes, “The emotion of 'sound' transcends language, allowing for the instant sharing of experiences across the globe. When pursuing 'sound', you can feel the stories of human connections that have endured throughout history. 'LISTEN.' serves as a time capsule filled with the wonderful 'now' of our planet that we wish to pass on to future generations.” This project reflects Yamaguchi's deep engagement with adventure travel and highlights her unique perspective.

Experiencing Nature in Akanko: A Two-Day Itinerary

In just two days, travelers can immerse themselves in the wonders of Lake Akan, a mysterious lake formed by volcanic activity. On the first day, visitors can land on Churui Island, where they can view the marimo moss balls, designated as special natural treasures in Japan. Yamaguchi recalls being struck by a local saying,