The town of Akkeshi is a historic port town located in the southeastern part of Hokkaido, with its urban area spreading along the shores of the deep Akkeshi Bay and Lake Akkeshi. It is known as the earliest developed area in eastern Hokkaido, and in the Kan'ei era of the Edo period, the Akkeshi trading post was established by the Matsumae clan. In 1804, Kokutai-ji Temple, one of the Ezo Sankanji (three official temples of Ezo), was built, and the town has continued its unique development as the birthplace of Eastern Hokkaido culture and a gateway for pioneering.

The surrounding area is blessed with abundant nature, and its globally valuable ecosystem is carefully preserved, with Lake Akkeshi and the Bekanbeushi Wetlands being registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1993. The climate is pleasant with cool sea breezes. In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in summer, the hiougi-ayame (Iris setosa), which dyes the wild flower gardens and other areas a vivid purple, is a delight to the eyes.

The key industries are fishing, which utilizes the rich sea, and dairy farming, which began with the settlement of the Tondenhei (colonist-soldiers). From its excellent natural harbor, a rich variety of superb seafood, including the nationally famous specialty oysters, as well as clams and saury, are landed throughout the year. It is a charming town that coexists with nature, blessed by the great outdoors, while preserving and nurturing its historic culture and the bounty of the sea for the next generation.