Things To Do
in Abashiri
Abashiri is a coastal city in eastern Hokkaido famed for its dramatic Sea of Okhotsk and annual drift ice in winter. It sits along a rugged coastline with scenic ocean views, marshlands, and nearby nature reserves. Culture here centers on maritime heritage, the historic Abashiri Prison, and access to regional seafood.
Year-round, visitors come for winter ice viewing, summer outdoor activities, and colorful seasonal festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure at the Abashiri Prison Museum, where you'll delve into the intriguing history of this former fortress of incarceration. As you stroll through the grounds, the architecture and exhibits offer captivating insights into the life of former prisoners. Enjoy a guided tour for deeper understanding and fascinating anecdotes.
After lunch at a local eatery, visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum to learn about the region's cold climate and its maritime culture. Interactive displays will allow you to experience the beauty and harshness of winter ice floes. Don’t miss the aquarium section, featuring local marine life from the Sea of Okhotsk.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a nearby izakaya, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes and regional specialties. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the scenic Shiretoko National Park coastline. The evening sky, painted with hues of orange and purple, is a perfect backdrop for reflecting on your first day.
Begin your day with a visit to Lake Abashiri, where the serene waters reflect the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Rent a bicycle to explore the scenic trails that wind around the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, particularly birds that thrive in this tranquil environment.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the lakeside, taking in the stunning views while you nourish your body with local delicacies. Afterward, embark on a scenic boat tour to experience the lake from a different perspective. Listen to the soothing sounds of nature and capture photos of the picturesque scenery.
As dusk approaches, return to Abashiri and dine at a restaurant known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Experience seasonal dishes and enjoy conversations with locals who share stories about the area. End your day by visiting a hot spring to relax and unwind under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee / small cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍣Seafood donburi | $12-25 |
| 🧥Winter jacket | $100-200 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and drift ice in winter
- Fresh seafood and market culture
- Safe, walkable city with easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- English assistance may be limited in rural areas
- Longer travel times from Tokyo compared to other destinations in Japan
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Abashiri
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic red-brick walls and a guard tower set against the harbor—great for moody, historic shots.
Iconic lighthouse with sweeping coastal views and sunsets over the Sea of Okhotsk.
Misty sea, fishing boats, and soft morning light along the rugged coast.
Bold exterior with water views; a good setting for architectural and sea-themed photography.
Calm waters, bridge silhouettes, and reflections during the golden hour.
Food in Abashiri
Abashiri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl piled high with fresh sashimi over rice; best at the Abashiri Morning Market or harbor-side eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy, seasoned fried chicken popular in northern Japan; widely available in izakayas and street stalls.
Salmon hotpot with a miso-based broth; a comforting winter specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Harbor-side stalls offering fresh seafood, crab, and seasonal produce—prime spot to sample local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A slight bow is a common greeting; thank you with 'arigatou gozaimasu'.
Remove shoes indoors in homes and some traditional facilities; slippers are often provided.
Maintain a respectful volume on trains and in public spaces; avoid loud conversations late in the evening.
Wash before entering; keep towels out of the water; don’t bring towels into the bath unless allowed.
People queue politely and value punctuality; let others exit before boarding trains or buses.
Safety
Tipping in Abashiri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; service charge is usually included if applicable. If you do tip, keep it small and discreet.
Cash is widely accepted; major credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Some rural shops and markets may be cash-only. Contactless payments and IC cards are commonly used in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and pleasant, long daylight hours ideal for outdoor hikes and coastal walks. Mosquitoes can be present; bring repellent and light layers.
Crisp air with colorful foliage and seafood season peaks; comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot.
Very cold with freezing temperatures and drift ice along the coast; opportunities for ice-watching tours and ice-related events. Dress in heavy layers, waterproof outerwear, and insulated footwear.
Milder conditions with snowmelt revealing waterfalls and migratory birds; layers are essential as temperatures can swing.
Abashiri at Night
Hiking in Abashiri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic coastal hike to a historic lighthouse with expansive ocean views.
Easy to moderate trail along the shoreline with photographic scenery.
Dramatic nature trails and viewpoints; day trips are possible from Abashiri with longer travel.
Airports
How to reach Abashiri by plane.
Regional airport serving Abashiri and the Okhotsk coast with domestic flights to Tokyo and Sapporo; connected by train/bus routes.
Sapporo's international hub with connections across Japan and abroad; reachable via long-distance train or domestic flight from eastern Hokkaido.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longtime fishing, farming, and service-industry families shaping the community.
Domestic and international travelers exploring the coast, markets, and drift ice experiences.
Local schools and seasonal tourism-related employment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in the region during winter with nearby ski areas and snow activities.
Coastal fishing and charter opportunities in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Abashiri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetable tempura, salads, and tofu dishes; ask for vegetarian options and consider miso soup and rice as staples, noting some broths may use dashi.