Abashiri Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Abashiri with our comprehensive travel guide featuring information on attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, and more.


Introduction to Abashiri

Abashiri is a beautiful city located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan. It is well-known for its scenic views, outdoor adventure opportunities, and a robust local culture. Abashiri attracts a significant number of visitors each year, both domestic and international, making it an important tourist center in Japan. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will share everything you need to know to have a memorable trip to Abashiri.

List of Places to Visit in Abashiri

There are numerous attractions that you can explore during your trip to Abashiri. We have listed them based on their categories below:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Abashiri Prison Museum: A historic museum that tells the story of the now-closed Abashiri Prison and the lives of its inmates.
  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum: A museum that gives visitors insight into the wildlife, culture, and history of the Okhotsk region and its seasonal sea ice formations.
  • Abashiri Historical Museum: Exhibiting the history, culture, and folklore of the Abashiri area.

Natural Attractions of Abashiri: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Abashiri Drift Ice Cruise: A popular tourist activity that allows visitors to experience winter’s magical drift ice, unique to the Okhotsk Sea.
  • Mount Tento Observatory: The observatory situated on top of Mount Tentō offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Abashiri Quasi-National Park: A sprawling natural park that covers more than 200 sq km of diverse landscapes, ranging from mountain ranges, wetlands, and coastal areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Abashiri

Abashiri boasts of some phenomenal hiking, and cycling routes that offer visitors stunning views of natural scenery. Some of the popular routes are:

  • Abashiri Lake Trail: A 9km trail that runs around Lake Abashiri, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake’s beauty and its surrounding landscapes.
  • Abashiri Forest Park Trail: A scenic trail that leads visitors through a forest covered with white birch trees and enjoying the autumn colors.
  • Abashiri Cape Notoro Trail: A coastal trail that tracks the rugged and scenic coastline of the Okhotsk Sea.

Best Things to Do in Abashiri: Activities and Tours

There are various attractions and things to do while you’re in Abashiri, such as:

  • Visit Abashiri Brewery and sample local beers.
  • Take the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum Ice Breaker Cruise: The museum operates a unique boat that breaks the winter sea ice, allowing visitors to observe the unique natural phenomena of ice-filled water stretching as far as the eye can see.
  • Attend Abashiri’s Nusamai Bridge Night View Light-Up: The Nusamai Bridge spanning the Abashiri River is beautifully lit at night, offering a fantastic view of Abashiri’s skyline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Abashiri

A week-long itinerary for Abashiri may include:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Abashiri Prison Museum, Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Day 2 Explore the Abashiri Quasi-National Park
Day 3 Take a cruise to witness the drift ice of the Okhotsk Sea
Day 4 Hike Mount Tento Observatory or the Abashiri Lake Trail
Day 5 Visit Abashiri Historical Museum
Day 6 Go cycling along the Abashiri Forest Park Trail
Day 7 Attend Nusamai Bridge Night View Light-Up

Food and Drink Scene of Abashiri

Abashiri is renowned for its fresh seafood and locally-produced beverages. Some of the must-try dishes and drinks are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaisen Donburi: A bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood such as salmon, squid, and crab.
  • Robata Yaki: Skewers of seafood, vegetables, and meat grilled over charcoal.
  • Sea Urchin: Fresh sea urchin, a local delicacy, is available in many restaurants around town.

Local Beverages

  • Abashiri Brewery Beers: There are several local brewing companies, and Abashiri Brewery is one of the most famous. Their beers are available in many bars, hotels, and restaurants around town.
  • Asahikawa Ramen: A local beer that is a perfect choice for ramen lovers.

Where to Stay in Abashiri: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Abashiri has many options for accommodation. Here are some recommendations:

  • Abashiri Central Hotel: A business hotel, located in the center of Abashiri, close to the railway station, museums, and shopping centers.
  • Route-Inn Grantia Hotel Abashiri Ekimae: A hotel featuring a hot spring bath, restaurants, and comfortable rooms facing the city and the sea.
  • Guest House Asanebou: A cozy guest house located close to the city’s center, offering affordable accommodation designed for backpackers and students.

What to Buy in Abashiri: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the most popular souvenirs and local products to bring back from Abashiri are:

  • Abashiri Drift Ice Wine: As a result of the unique drifting sea ice surrounding Abashiri Bay during the winter months, Abashiri produces some of the world’s rarest wines.
  • Abashiri Beer: Locally brewed beer using high-quality sea ice water for a crisp and refreshing taste.
  • Ainu Crafts: Traditional crafts of the native Ainu people of Hokkaido, such as wood carvings, woven textiles, and embroidery that reflects their culture and history.

Local Culture and Customs of Abashiri

Abashiri has a rich history, and the indigenous Ainu culture is still prevalent. The city is known for its festivals, such as the Abashiri Snow Festival and the Abashiri Canoe Festival, held annually. Visitors are encouraged to show respect towards the Ainu people and their customs,

Best Time to Visit Abashiri

The best time to visit Abashiri is during the winter season, from December to March, where the city transforms into a winter paradise with drift ice and beautiful snow sculptures. During the summer, from June to August, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Abashiri

Do:

  • Show respect to the Ainu culture and customs.
  • Sample local foods and drinks, such as seafood and beer.
  • Take a drift ice cruise to witness the natural wonder.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural environment.
  • Disrespect the local culture and people.
  • Smoke in non-designated areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Abashiri

Abashiri is generally safe for visitors. However, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions while exploring the city’s natural environments or engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.

Health in Abashiri

Abashiri has excellent medical facilities and health services. Visitors can access medical care at Abashiri Municipal Medical Center or Abashiri Red Cross Hospital if they require medical attention.

Getting to Abashiri: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Abashiri

The nearest airport to Abashiri is Memanbetsu Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers away. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi to Abashiri from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Abashiri

Abashiri is well-connected with other cities in Hokkaido and Japan through an extensive bus network. The city has three bus stations: Abashiri Station, Abashiri Ekimae Bus Terminal, and Abashiri Koko-Mae Bus Stop.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the train to Abashiri Station, which is located at the city’s center. The train journey to Abashiri is scenic and offers visitors visually stunning views of the mountainous and coastal landscapes of Hokkaido.

How to Get Around in Abashiri

Abashiri is a small city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also use taxis, buses, and rental bicycles to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Abashiri: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can explore other notable destinations in the Hokkaido region, including:

  • Asahikawa: A dynamic and lively city renowned for its winter and summer tourism.
  • Sapporo: The capital of Hokkaido, famous for its food, beer, and Snow Festival.

Conclusion

Abashiri is an excellent destination to explore natural beauty and a rich culture. Visitors can explore the city’s natural and cultural attractions, participate in unique activities, and taste the delicious seafood and locally brewed beer. Plan your trip to Abashiri using our comprehensive guide, and create lasting memories of Japan’s diverse culture and landscapes.

Museum of Northern Peoples Museum of Northern Peoples