Breaking the ice at Hokkaido’s Lake Akan

The sightseeing cruise ship Mashu Maru breaks through the ice covering Lake Akan in Kushiro, Hokkaido, on Friday. The Japan News/Asia News Network

HOKKAIDO — Work began on Friday to start breaking up the ice on the surface of Lake Akan in Kushiro, Hokkaido, to prepare the lake for sightseeing boats ahead of the spring tourist season. Lake Akan is known for its marimo moss balls, which are considered a special national treasure.

According to Akan Sightseeing Cruise Company, the ice is about 20 centimeters thick, which is thinner than usual because of the warm weather in March.

The 187-ton cruise ship Mashu Maru broke through the ice, making a grinding sound as it went. The cruise ship will start its regular service on May 1.