Abashiri (網走)

Map

Getting There

• train
• bus
• car
• plane

Best Times to Visit

• spring: After drift ice clears, fishing resumes and spring crab, sea urchin, scallops, and seasonal food events become highlights.
• summer: Mild, relatively dry weather supports lakeside sightseeing, flower parks, outdoor activities, seafood, and summer festivals.
• autumn: Lake Notoro's glasswort turns vivid red, autumn foliage peaks, harvest foods arrive, and seasonal dining events take place.
• winter: Late January through early March offers drift ice, Aurora cruises, frozen-lake smelt fishing, snow activities, and the winter festival.

What's There

• birds: Drift ice cruises and coastal habitats may reveal white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles.
• coast: The Sea of Okhotsk, Cape Notoro, drift ice, and coastal viewpoints define Abashiri's scenery.
• culture: Museums and local products showcase Abashiri's prison heritage, Indigenous influences, and regional traditions.
• fishing: Lake smelt fishing and the city's active marine industry are major visitor experiences.
• flowers: Lake Notoro's glasswort and seasonal flower displays create notable summer and autumn scenery.
• food: Seasonal seafood, local dishes, sweets, and beverages are central to the city's tourism appeal.
• history: The Abashiri Prison Museum explains prison history and Hokkaido's development.
• lake: Lake Abashiri and Lake Notoro offer scenic views, fishing, wildlife, and seasonal landscapes.
• market: The roadside station and seasonal food events provide local products and regional specialties.
• mountain: Tentozan offers elevated views across Abashiri, nearby lakes, the coast, and distant mountains.
• museum: Abashiri Prison Museum and Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum are major attractions.
• nature: Drift ice, lakes, wildlife, glasswort, flowers, and broad coastal landscapes support nature-focused travel.
• park: Hana Tento flower park provides seasonal blooms and panoramic outdoor scenery.
• seafood: The Sea of Okhotsk supports fresh fish, crab, shrimp, sea urchin, and processed seafood.
• shopping: Roadside stations and tourism facilities sell seafood, local crafts, sweets, beer, and souvenirs.
• views: Tentozan, Cape Notoro, Lake Notoro, and Aurora cruises provide distinctive panoramic scenery.
• wildlife: Drift ice habitats support seals, clione, and sea eagles, while lakes attract varied wildlife.
• snow: Winter brings snow activities, frozen lakes, drift ice, and a distinctive white landscape.
• port: Abashiri Port serves as the departure point for Aurora drift-ice cruises and reflects the city's maritime identity.

Specialties

• Seafood (海産物): Abashiri is a fishing base on the Sea of Okhotsk and is known for fresh fish, crab, and processed seafood. Seasonal marine products are a central part of the city’s local cuisine and souvenirs.
• Abashiri Beer (網走ビール): Abashiri Beer produces the blue-colored Drift Ice Draft, which uses drift ice as brewing water. It is one of the city’s signature local products.
• Drift Ice Curry (流氷カレー): Drift Ice Curry is a local seasonal gourmet item inspired by the blue appearance of Okhotsk drift ice. Abashiri’s official tourism site lists it among the city’s summer specialties.
• Hokkai Shimaebi (北海シマエビ): Hokkai shrimp is a local seafood delicacy associated with the cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. Abashiri’s official tourism information identifies shrimp and other seafood as seasonal local foods.
• Wakasagi Tempura (ワカサギ天ぷら): Visitors can catch smelt, called wakasagi, through winter ice-fishing activities on Lake Abashiri. Freshly caught smelt can be prepared as tempura at the fishing venue.
• Drift Ice Soft Serve (流氷ソフトクリーム): Drift Ice Soft Serve is a blue, lightly salty caramel-flavored ice cream associated with the Sea of Okhotsk. The official tourism site lists it as a local product sold at the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum.