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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Abashiri.
Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Abashiri is a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you breathless.
From diving into the icy blue waters of Lake Abashiri to trekking through the tangled wilds of the Okhotsk Ryuhyo National Park, Abashiri beckons the adventurous spirit in all of us.
Whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush or a moment of serene beauty, this vibrant city has something to offer for everyone.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Abashiri:
1. Abashiri Prison Museum
A museum that preserves and showcases the history of Abashiri Prison in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits to learn about the prison’s past and its role in penal history. Attractions include a reconstructed cell block, an execution room, and displays of confiscated weapons and other contraband.
There is also an audio guide available in English.
Don’t miss: The museum’s outdoor courtyard, which features a replica guard tower and gallows.
Visitors can also take a boat tour of the nearby lake, which was once used to transport logs for the prison.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early or later in the day. If possible, try to catch one of the daily live demonstrations of the prison’s military drill exercises.
Additionally, be sure to check out the nearby Abashiri Prison Museum Annex, which houses additional exhibits and artifacts related to the prison’s history.
2. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum is a museum in Abashiri, Japan, dedicated to the study of the Okhotsk culture and nature, particularly the sea ice that forms in the Sea of Okhotsk.
What to see or do: The museum has a variety of exhibits and displays showcasing the history, wildlife, and ecology of the region.
The highlight of the museum is the massive tank that displays large chunks of sea ice brought in straight from the frozen ocean.
There is also a recreation of a traditional Ainu village, as well as exhibits on the local flora and fauna.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the nightly illumination of the ice tank, which illuminates in various colors, creating a mystical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Additionally, don’t miss the museum store where you can buy unique souvenirs and handcrafted items from local artisans.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get quite crowded during peak seasons, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Also, try to visit on a clear day so you can fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Shiretoko mountain range.
3. Kitahama Station
Kitahama Station is a historic train station in the city of Abashiri, located in the northernmost region of the Japanese island of Hokkaido.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a look around the well-preserved station building, which dates back to the early 20th century and still retains its original wooden architecture and design.
The station also offers a great view of the nearby Abashiri River and the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a ride on the retro-style steam locomotive train that departs from Kitahama Station. The train takes visitors on a scenic journey through the countryside around Abashiri, offering beautiful views of the local landscape.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should try and visit Kitahama Station during the winter months, when the surrounding area is covered in a thick blanket of snow.
This creates a truly magical atmosphere and adds to the charm of the historic station and the surrounding scenery. It’s also a good idea to purchase train tickets in advance, particularly during peak tourist season.
4. Museum of Northern Peoples
Museum dedicated to the indigenous culture of the Northern Peoples situated in Abashiri, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits showcasing the history, traditions, arts, and lifestyle of Northern Peoples from Japan, Russia, Mongolia, and beyond. Watch traditional performances, participate in workshops, and interact with the knowledgeable staff to learn more about the indigenous culture.
Don’t miss: The Ainu exhibit that displays the customs and artifacts of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido Island. The recreated village showcasing the traditional dwellings, fishing techniques, and cuisine of the Northern Peoples.
Insider travel tips: Grab a brochure on the museum’s tours and activities schedule upon arrival to plan your day. Head to the outdoor park for a walk in nature and enjoy the scenery of Lake Notoro.
The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, and visitors can take a bus or taxi from Abashiri Station.
5. Abashiri Historical Museum
Abashiri Historical Museum is a museum located in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the history of Abashiri city, including the Ainu culture, the aboriginal people of Hokkaido, as well as the development of the city during the Meiji period.
Visitors can also see life-size models, photographs and documents about the region’s history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Ainu artifacts on display, including traditional clothing, crafts and tools.
The museum also features a replica of the Abashiri prison, which was operational during the Meiji period and a popular tourist attraction.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during the annual Abashiri Prison Museum & Museum of Northern Peoples festival, held in July. The festival features events, cultural performances, and music related to the history of Abashiri.
Also, don’t forget to check out the souvenir shop on your way out, which offers various Ainu crafts and items to take home as souvenirs.
6. Abashiri Lake View Ski Resort
Abashiri Lake View Ski Resort is a popular ski resort in the northern part of Japan, located in Hokkaido.
What to see or do: The resort provides several ski trails and snowboarding areas for both beginners and advanced riders. Experience skiing on powder snow and enjoy stunning views of Lake Abashiri and the surrounding snowy landscapes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a chance to take a dip in the famous outdoor hot springs (onsen) located within the resort after a long day of skiing.
Insider travel tips: For an unforgettable experience, take a guided tour of the area on a snowmobile or husky sled. Make sure to also try local delicacies like seafood from the Abashiri Fish Market and Hokkaido’s famous ramen noodles.
7. Abashiri Coast
A rugged coastline located in the northern part of Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning views of the Sea of Okhotsk, stroll along the beach, and visit the nearby Abashiri Prison Museum which displays the history of the early pioneers and prisoners of Hokkaido.
Don’t miss: The Drift Ice Museum where you can experience the feeling of being surrounded by ice floes and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Insider travel tips: Dress appropriately for the cold and windy weather, layers are recommended.
It’s best to visit during the winter months to see the drift ice, but the views during the other seasons are still worth seeing.
8. Abashiri River Cruise
Abashiri River Cruise is a unique and scenic boat ride that takes passengers through the tranquil waters of Abashiri River.
What to see or do: Passengers can enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery, including stunning views of Hokkaido’s snowy mountains and clear waters. The cruise also passes through a fascinating ice floe zone where passengers can witness the beautiful ice formations.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the drift ice during the winter months from January to March. The ice floes create stunning patterns on the surface of the water and make for a truly memorable experience.
Insider travel tips: Dress warmly, even in the summer months, as the boat ride can get chilly due to the winds.
9. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing
Abashiri drift ice sightseeing offers a unique opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of ice floating on the sea surface.
What to see or do: Admire the breathtaking views of hundreds of icebergs floating gracefully on the sea. Take a drift icebreaker boat tour, which lasts for about an hour, and enjoy the stunning scenery from up close.
You can also take a walk on the ice at the Abashiri Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum.
Don’t miss: The chance to witness the “Jewelry Ice” phenomenon – where the drift ice sparkles and glitters due to the reflection of sunlight.
Insider travel tips: – Dress warmly and wear non-slip boots for walking on the ice.
10. Yokoyama Observatory
Yokoyama Observatory is a scenic spot located in Abashiri, Japan, offering panoramic views of Lake Abashiri and the surrounding mountains.
What to see or do: Visitors can take in breathtaking views of Lake Abashiri and the surrounding scenery, including Mount Tento. Walk around the observation deck and get a closer look at the fascinating geological formation of the area.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunset and night sky views are not to be missed. Watching the colors of the sky change during sunset and stars twinkling at night is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to bring warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly at the observatory. Arrive early to secure a prime spot on the observation deck.
During the winter months, the lake often freezes over, creating a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
11. Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden
Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden is a confectionery factory and garden located in the city of Abashiri, Hokkaido.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the beautifully tended gardens and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The tasting room, where visitors can sample the wide variety of delicious confectionery that Ryugetsu produces.
Insider travel tips: Take advantage of the tasting room by trying unique flavors that you can only find at Sweetpia Garden.
12. Abashiri City Ainu Culture Promotion Center
Abashiri City Ainu Culture Promotion Center is a museum dedicated to promoting the Ainu culture, language, and history of the Abashiri region of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience the Ainu way of life through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. The center also offers cultural activities such as crafting traditional Ainu goods, cooking Ainu cuisine, and traditional Ainu dance performances.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the Ainu kotan (village) exhibit, which showcases the traditional Ainu dwellings, tools, and clothing.
The outdoor garden, featuring native plants and trees used by the Ainu people for medicine and food, is also worth exploring.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the center’s website for seasonal events and workshops. The center also hosts a variety of Ainu-themed festivals throughout the year, including the Ainu Cultural Festival in August.
Visitors can purchase traditional Ainu souvenirs at the museum shop.
13. Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora
The Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora is a unique ship that allows tourists to experience the breathtaking beauty of ice floes and the Sea of Okhotsk.
What to see or do: On the Aurora, you can cruise through the frozen ocean while enjoying stunning views of the white landscape and watching wildlife such as seals, eagles, and sometimes even whales.
You can also learn about the history and ecology of the area through interactive displays and exhibits on board.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to walk on the frozen sea during the cruise, or to try freshly caught seafood dishes on the ship’s restaurant.
Also, check out the Aurora’s popular evening cruise, where you can witness the incredible Aurora borealis or Northern Lights.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to dress warmly, as temperatures on board can often drop below freezing. If you get seasick, take some motion sickness medication before boarding.
And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.
14. Abashiri Nature Cruise
A nature cruise that takes you through the Sea of Okhotsk to observe unique wildlife and scenic attractions.
What to see or do: Admire the picturesque view of drifting ice floes and towering cliffs. Spot unusual marine creatures such as seals, dolphins, and whales.
Observe the feathered inhabitants on the rocky shorelines, including Steller’s sea eagles and tufted puffins.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to walk on the floating ice floes and feel the sensation of being in the middle of the sea.
The chance to try fresh seafood and crab dishes, a staple of Abashiri’s cuisine.
Insider travel tips: Dress warmly in layers and bring gloves, hats, and scarves to keep warm during the cruise. Choose a seat on starboard side for the best views of the landscape.
Opt for a morning tour for calmer seas and better wildlife sightings.