Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Abashiri, Japan

If you are traveling to the island of Hokkaido, a visit to Abashiri should certainly be on your itinerary. This city, situated in one of the most northern regions of Japan, offers a unique cultural experience distinct from other locations in Hokkaido. Abashiri is renowned for its harsh winters, which historically led to its use as a penal colony.

In the past, individuals convicted of various offenses were exiled here to labor, and many of them contributed significantly to the construction of the town and surrounding infrastructure, including railway lines.

During the winter months, visitors can partake in activities such as ice fishing and experiencing a remarkable icebreaker boat tour. However, the summer season also offers delightful opportunities.

The landscape of this region is characterized by rolling hills and fields adorned with flowers of various colors, best appreciated on a cycling excursion or a romantic horseback ride.

Here are the 15 best attractions in Abashiri…

1. Tour Abashiri Prison Museum

The most prominent attraction in Abashiri is the Abashiri Prison Museum.

This facility was once where criminals were sent for hard labor, and many inmates contributed to the foundational construction of Hokkaido.

The structures date back to the Meiji Period, and visitors can explore these buildings, observing models of prisoners in the original shackles they would have worn.

Additional galleries present the historical context of the structures and display ancient prison artifacts; however, some exhibits may be unsettling for younger audiences.

2. Visit Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

The Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples chronicles the narratives of inhabitants from the earth’s far northern territories, particularly the Ainu indigenous culture in Japan.

While the Ainu culture is less widely recognized in Japan, the museum also features exhibits dedicated to other communities such as the Canadian Inuit and the Sami from Scandinavia.

As you navigate the museum, expect to encounter images and artifacts, including hunting tools and even seal intestines.

3. Check out Lake Notoro

Lake Notoro is a signature attraction in Abashiri, particularly popular in September.

During this period, the lake becomes adorned with glasswort, which blooms and turns the entire surface a striking crimson.

The lake spans approximately 33 kilometers and is indeed a saltwater body, connected by a channel to the Okhotsk Sea.

This connection allows for an abundance of seafood, including the opportunity to dig for clams from April to September.

4. Explore the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum

The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum is dedicated to the phenomenon of pack ice prevalent in the Okhotsk Sea.

For those keen to learn more about this fascinating natural occurrence, the museum offers interactive exhibits, including a freezer room where visitors can wear heavy winter coats and touch pack ice maintained at a chilling -15°C.

5. Check out Lake Abashiri

Lake Abashiri is part of the expansive Abashiri Quasi National Park and is often regarded as one of the most scenic lakes in Hokkaido.

This lake is particularly noted for its swan population, which elegantly glide across its surface.

During the winter, from December to April, the lake can freeze over, with ice thickness reaching up to one meter in some areas, providing a unique opportunity for ice fishing.

6. Walk around Flower Garden Hana Tento

Flower Garden Hana Tento is located at the summit of the picturesque Mount Tento within the Abashiri Quasi National Park.

Although the garden operates as the Abashiri Lake View Ski Station during winter, the ideal time to visit is in summer when the garden boasts over 80,000 plants and flowers, including marigolds, cosmos, and salvia across its 3.5 hectares.

7. Try smelt fishing

If you find yourself in the Abashiri area during winter, or anywhere in Hokkaido for that matter, one must-try activity is smelt fishing.

This entails creating a hole in the ice on one of the frozen lakes and fishing through it.

Once a fish is caught, small cookers can be rented to barbecue the catch or prepare a fresh tempura meal, offering a truly unique dining experience in Abashiri.

8. Take a trip on Icebreaker Aurora

Abashiri is characterized by its pack ice that envelops the harbor during the winter months, rendering it inaccessible—except for the industrious icebreaker vessels.

Fortunately, the Icebreaker Aurora is one such vessel, capable of navigating through the ice. Visitors can embark on a one-hour tour of the harbor, witnessing the ice crack and splinter as well as enjoying views of the bay.

9. Shop at the Morning Market

As expected from a coastal town, Abashiri is famed for its delectable seafood, which features prominently on many local menus.

The lively Morning Market showcases the daily catch brought in by fishing boats, with a particular highlight being the succulent crab harvested from the surrounding waters.

Arriving early is recommended to experience the lively atmosphere, as the market concludes before noon.

10. Have a drink at Abashiri Biru-kan

Due to its cold climate, Abashiri is recognized for its alcoholic beverages, ideal for warming up during winter evenings.

This includes traditional sake and beer, with the local brewery, Abashiri Beer, offering a signature drink known as Ryuhyo, produced using melted drift ice mixed with sea algae, resulting in a striking blue hue.

In addition, typical Japanese beer hall snacks, such as grilled meat and squid skewers, are available.

11. Go horseback riding

For a unique experience in Abashiri, consider horseback riding.

In winter, visitors can ride across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk, offering many an unforgettable adventure.

During the warmer months, riders can traverse the picturesque hills and explore vibrant flower gardens adorned with marigolds and other colorful flora.

12. Attend the Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

If you happen to be in town during February, don’t miss the Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival.

This event showcases stunning ice sculptures crafted by talented ice sculptors from around the globe, beautifully illuminated at night by colorful lights.

In addition to the sculptures, festival-goers can indulge in local cuisine and beverages, including copious amounts of traditional Japanese sake, sure to provide warmth.

13. Go bird watching at Lake Tofutsu

Another well-known lake in Abashiri is Lake Tofutsu, part of the Ramsar Convention wetlands.

Bird watchers will be delighted by the abundance of avian life, with approximately 250 species residing in the area.

In spring, visitors frequently come to admire the elegant swans gliding across the lake, alongside grazing cows and horses near the lush banks.

14. Bathe in the onsen in Utoro

For those seeking relaxation away from Abashiri, a visit to the nearby village of Utoro in Shari is advisable, celebrated for its charming onsen.

These traditional Japanese baths, sourced from hot springs, provide an ideal setting to unwind after a cold day of skiing or outdoor activities.

15. Go cycling at Lake Saroma

Lake Saroma, part of the Abashiri Quasi National Park, is another picturesque lake in the region.

The ideal way to reach it is via a charming bike ride roughly 25 kilometers from Abashiri to the shores of Lake Saroma.

As you cycle along the scenic trails, anticipate passing lush woodlands and breathtaking fields brimming with flowers and local produce, including pumpkins.

Notably, Lake Saroma is the largest of its kind in Hokkaido and is famous for its seafood, especially succulent scallops.

Visitors can fish for these delicacies in the lake and dine in nearby eateries featuring dishes crafted from local catches.