Abashiri Tour

2-day tour to Abashiri

Known for its prison and drift ice in winter.

Day 1: From Haneda or Narita go to Abashiri

Day 2: Abashiri

Abashiri is a city of 40,000 people on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, not far from Shiretoko and Akan national parks. The city's main tourist attractions are its prison museum and the drift ice, which can be observed in the Okhotsk Sea during winter.

Rates Include:

-Accommodation in a hotel.

-Transportation and transfers

-1 bottle of mineral water per day

Rates Do Not Include:

-Transportation (from airport to Kyoto)

-Guide

-Meals except described

-Alcoholic beverages

-Travel insurance

-Tips and portage

Explore More About Abashiri:

Abashiri city is situated on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido and faces the Sea of Okhotsk. There are also five lakes near the city. This area experiences four distinct seasons and has the climate of a coastal region. Abashiri enjoys a relatively mild climate as it has lower levels of rain and snowfall compared to other cities and towns in this part of Hokkaido.

There are various archeological and historical sites in Abashiri, which provide evidence that humans have inhabited this area for the past 20,000 years. In 1872, the existing community was named Abashiri village, and its status was promoted to that of a town in 1902. Due to the opening of a railway in 1912, and the construction of a port in 1919, Abashiri has played an important role in land and sea transportation. The coastal region of Hokkaido along the Sea of Okhotsk, to which Abashiri belongs, boasts one of the three largest fisheries in the world. Agriculture and forestry are also key industries in Abashiri.

Livestock breeding and fish processing have grown to become important secondary industries. Alongside this industrial development, both prefectural and municipal government offices have sprung up. Various businesses and cultural facilities have also been created over time. In 1947, Abashiri was incorporated as a city and has continued to grow as one of the core cities in the Okhotsk area.

Drift ice is symbolic of winter in Abashiri and the Okhotsk region. This natural phenomenon has had a tremendous influence on the local culture and the drift ice motif is represented in various forms of art, dance, and music. Abashiri even holds a drift ice festival each year.

Each year ice forms near the mouth of the Amur River in Russia. It is carried southward by current and wind until it eventually rolls onto the coast of northern Hokkaido. In its first stage, it has the consistency of sherbet ice cream. Then it gradually grows into a hard mass during the course of its long journey. Drift ice varies in its shape due to the effects of wind and tide. The final forms are strange and magnificent presentations of art made by the hand of nature.

The best way to explore the area is by car. It is 150 kilometers from Lake Saroma in the west to Shiretoko National Park in the east, and there are lots of stops and photo opportunities along the way, providing a great opportunity for a fun-filled scenic road trip. Alternatively, a bus or train to Abashiri from Sapporo will take about six hours.