Abashiri in Hokkaido, which has gained attention as the setting for the hit anime "Golden Kamuy," is famous for its winter drift ice stretching to the horizon. However, it is actually a hidden gem where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery throughout the year, including pink moss phlox in spring, sunflowers in summer, and glasswort in autumn, along with exceptional seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk.
In this article, a travel editor who has reported from destinations across Japan introduces a classic 1-night, 2-day itinerary covering Abashiri’s must-see attractions, seasonal scenic routes, local cuisine, monthly weather, and transportation information.
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Where is Abashiri? Map and Access to Abashiri City, Hokkaido
Abashiri City is a port town located on the Sea of Okhotsk in the northeastern part of Hokkaido.
While the city is known for its winter drift ice, it is also popular as a base for sightseeing in Eastern Hokkaido, including the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site, Akan-Mashu National Park, and Kushiro Wetlands. The appeal lies in being able to enjoy magnificent nature, history, and gourmet cuisine all at once.
Access from Major Cities and Airports
The gateway to Abashiri tourism is Memanbetsu Airport, about 30 minutes by car from Abashiri City. Flying is one of the most convenient ways to reach Abashiri from elsewhere in Japan.
However, as of 2026, there are no regular international flights.
Access from Tokyo / Haneda Airport
From Tokyo, it is convenient to use direct flights connecting Haneda Airport and Memanbetsu Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you can reach Abashiri City in about 30 minutes by local bus or the Shiretoko Airport Liner.
Access from Sapporo / New Chitose Airport
From the Sapporo area, there are several transportation options, including air travel, JR trains, and rental cars. By plane, it takes about 50 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport. By train, it takes about 5 hours 30 minutes from Sapporo Station on the JR Limited Express "Okhotsk." By rental car, it takes about 5 hours 30 minutes from Sapporo to Abashiri.
Transportation for Touring Eastern Hokkaido and Within the City
If you plan to visit Shiretoko, Kushiro, Lake Akan, and other areas, a rental car is convenient. You can enjoy a drive through the vast landscapes that are characteristic of Eastern Hokkaido.
On the other hand, even those who do not drive can fully enjoy sightseeing. In Abashiri City, the "Sightseeing Facility Tour Bus" operated by Abashiri Bus connects major tourist attractions, providing access to popular spots such as the Abashiri Prison Museum and Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum.
[1 Night, 2 Days] Itinerary for Exploring the Best of the Okhotsk Region from Abashiri
Day 1: Enjoy Classic Must-See Spots and Gourmet Cuisine All Year Round
- 13:00｜Arrive at Memanbetsu Airport or Abashiri Station: Start your sightseeing journey by airport shuttle bus or rental car.
- 14:00｜Tour the Abashiri Prison Museum: Visit this iconic attraction and experience the world of Golden Kamuy. Explore the historic red brick buildings and experience the unique history of Abashiri.
- 17:00｜Check in at a hotel in Abashiri city: If you stay at a hotel around Mount Tento, you can enjoy views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the lakes. Before dinner, take a stroll around the area or relax in a hot spring to unwind from your travels.
- 18:00｜Seafood and Yakiniku Dinner to Cap Off an Evening in Abashiri: For dinner, savor seafood dishes featuring the bounty of the Sea of Okhotsk or enjoy Abashiri Wagyu beef yakiniku, a local favorite. Indulge in seasonal flavors such as scallops, crab, and salmon, and enjoy a relaxing evening in Abashiri.
🍽️Search for local dining options in Abashiri!
Day 2: Choose a Seasonal Scenic Excursion
The charm of Abashiri changes dramatically with the seasons. Depending on when you visit, why not venture out to some of Okhotsk’s unique scenic spots?
Plan A: [Spring・May] A Spring Trip to Shibazakura and the Hill of Fairy Tales
Head to Ozora Town, about 20 minutes by car from downtown Abashiri. Visit Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, where the hills are blanketed in pink moss phlox, and Hill of Fairytale, where rows of larch trees stand amid expansive farmland. This is the perfect plan for those who want to capture breathtaking spring scenery and landscapes unique to Hokkaido on camera.
Plan B: [Summer–Autumn・June–October] Refreshing Drive and Flower Scenery Course
Enjoy spectacular views of the Sea of Okhotsk at Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden and Cape Notoro. Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden is accessible from Hama-Koshimizu Station on the JR Senmo Main Line or by local bus from Abashiri. In July and August, the sunflower fields at Omagari Lakeside Park, just five minutes by car from downtown Abashiri, are recommended, while in September, the Lake Notoro Coral Grass Colony is a must-see.
Plan C: [Winter・January–March] Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Ship Aurora and Drift Ice Experience Course
Board the winter highlight, the Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora. If drift ice cannot be seen, the cruise will head towards Cape Notoro instead. Afterwards, visit the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum and Mt. Tento Observatory to enjoy the unique winter scenery of Abashiri. Depending on the ship's operation status, you may also rearrange the order of your itinerary.
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[12 Carefully Selected Picks] Must-See Attractions & Local Gourmet Delights Around Abashiri
Here are some recommended attractions and local specialties around Abashiri to make your 1-night, 2-day trip even more memorable.
7 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Abashiri
1. Abashiri Prison Museum (Open Year-Round: A Historic Landmark and Anime Pilgrimage Site)
An open-air history museum that preserves and exhibits prison buildings actually used during the Meiji era. In addition to learning about the history of Hokkaido's development, it is also known as a setting for "Golden Kamuy," making it a popular pilgrimage spot for fans of the series. Many of the buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle and historical background of the time.
DATA
- Address: 1-1 Yobito, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 10 minutes by Abashiri Bus from Abashiri Station; get off at "Museum Abashiri Prison"
- Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Closed: December 31 & January 1
- Admission: Adults ¥1,500, High School Students ¥1,000, Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥750
- Official URL: https://www.kangoku.jp/ (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai, Simplified Chinese)
2. Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum & Mt. Tento Observatory (Open Year-Round: Experience a Subzero World and Panoramic Views)
The -15°C exhibit room, where you can touch real drift ice, is especially popular. From the adjacent Mt. Tento Observatory, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Okhotsk, Lake Abashiri, and the Shiretoko Mountains. The scenery, which changes with the seasons and time of day, is one of Abashiri's most iconic views.
DATA
- Address: 244-3 Tentozan, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 15 minutes by Abashiri Bus from Abashiri Station; get off at "Tentozan Drift Ice Museum"
- Hours: Varies by season
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission: Adults ¥990, High School Students ¥880, Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥770
- Official URL: https://www.ryuhyokan.com/ (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
🎫Purchase Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum admission tickets on kkday
3. Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri (Open Year-Round: Souvenir Shopping & Departure Point for Winter Icebreaker Cruises)
A convenient roadside station for souvenir shopping in Abashiri. In winter, it serves as the departure point for the Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora, bustling with many tourists. The restaurant offers fresh seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk, making it a popular spot for a break during sightseeing. It's also recommended for finding local specialty products.
DATA
- Address: 4-5-1 Minami 3-jo Higashi, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 5 minutes by taxi from Abashiri Station
- Hours: Varies by facility
- Closed: New Year's holidays (December 31–January 1)
- Admission: Free
- Official URL: https://hokkaido-michinoeki.jp/michinoeki/2986/ (Japanese, English)
4. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park (Spring, May: A Spectacular Pink Landscape Worth the Trip from Abashiri)
This breathtaking spot features about 10 hectares of rolling hills dyed a vivid pink every May. Surrounded by the sweet scent of shibazakura (moss phlox), it is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic spring landscapes. There is also an observation deck in the park, offering panoramic views of the seemingly endless carpet of pink moss phlox.
DATA
- Address: 393 Suehiro, Higashimokoto, Ozora Town, Abashiri District, Hokkaido
- Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Abashiri Station, then about 10 minutes by taxi from "Higashimokoto". *During the
shibazakura blooming season only, a free shuttle runs from Higashimokoto (in front of the bus company) to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park (reservation required). - Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Adults (junior high school and above) 700 yen, Children (elementary school) 300 yen
- Official URL: https://shibazakura.net/ (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai, Simplified Chinese)
🌸See photos of Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park taken by scenic view producer Shiho
5. Cape Notoro & Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden (Summer, June–August: Wildflowers Along the Coast and a Majestic Cape)
Cape Notoro, with its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, and Koshimizu Genseikaen, where wildflowers bloom naturally, are popular summer destinations. The scenery, woven from the blue sea and sky and colorful flowers, is perfect for a drive. At Cape Notoro, you can enjoy the grand coastline, while At Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden, you can admire seasonal wildflowers in bloom.
DATA (Cape Notoro)
- Address: Misaki, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 20 minutes by taxi from Abashiri Station
- Hours: Open for strolling
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free
- Official URL: https://visit-abashiri.jp/scenery/b1b92ba8835b04de0cdaf87843cb6d0769a68f3d.html (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
DATA (Koshimizu Genseikaen)
- Address: 2 Hamakoshimizu, Koshimizu Town, Shari District, Hokkaido
- Access: A short walk from Genseikaen Station
- Hours: Open at all times
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free
- Official URL: https://www.town.koshimizu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/detail/00007014.html (translation function available)
6. Omagari Lakeside Park (Summer–Autumn, July & September: Spectacular Sunflower Fields Blooming Twice a Year)
This popular spot features vast sunflower fields that bloom twice a year, in summer and autumn. At their peak, hundreds of thousands—even millions—of sunflowers bloom across the area, making it a famous photo spot for its beautiful contrast with the blue sky. Walking paths are well maintained, allowing you to stroll surrounded by a sea of sunflowers.
DATA
- Address: 24 Sanchou, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 7 minutes by Abashiri Bus from Abashiri Station, get off at "Omagari 2", then about 17 minutes on foot
- Hours: 9:00–17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Admission: Free
- Official URL: https://visit-abashiri.jp/scenery/c1148c70831b8242829f5c871e6fd34653ab985b.html (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
7. Lake Notoro Coral Grass Colony (Autumn, September: Japan’s Largest Coral Grass Colony)
This breathtaking spot is where the entire lakeshore turns a vivid red around September. Known as Japan’s largest coral grass colony, it offers a quintessential autumn landscape of Abashiri. With well-maintained boardwalks, visitors can stroll through the area while enjoying the brilliant red lakeside landscape up close.
DATA
- Address: Around 60-3 Ubaranai, Abashiri City, Hokkaido
- Access: About 16 minutes by car from JR Abashiri Station
- Hours: Open for walking at any time
- Closed: None
- Admission: Free
- Official URL: https://visit-abashiri.jp/scenery/ab85b317b07f8abd9ba4c196ebddea9a9ddd65c2.html (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Simplified Chinese)
5 Must-Try Local Gourmet Foods in Abashiri
1. Ryuhyo Draft (A strikingly blue, eye-catching local craft beer)
This craft beer from Abashiri features a vivid blue color inspired by the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. Its photogenic appearance and refreshing taste have made it a popular local drink, perfect for commemorating your trip to Abashiri.
2. Kaisen-don, Sushi, and Sashimi (Seasonal seafood from Okhotsk such as crab, scallops, and salmon)
Facing the Sea of Okhotsk, Abashiri is a treasure trove of seafood. Kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls), sushi, and sashimi made with fresh seasonal ingredients like scallops, crab, salmon, and sea urchin are must-try specialties.
3. Abashiri Zangi-don (A local rice bowl featuring Okhotsk salmon, also available at roadside stations)
This local specialty combines Hokkaido-style fried chicken called "zangi" with Okhotsk salmon. It's hearty yet easy to eat, and can be enjoyed casually at roadside stations and other locations. The rich flavor of freshly landed salmon is also a highlight.
4. Abashiri Champon (A new local ramen specialty)
While champon is a soul food of Nagasaki Prefecture, "Abashiri Champon" is a new dish born from exchange with Unzen City in Nagasaki. The combination of plenty of vegetables and a soup rich in seafood flavor is outstanding.
5. Abashiri Wagyu (Yakiniku)
This premium beef is exceptionally tender and flavorful, ranking among Japan’s highest-grade A5 Japanese Black wagyu beef. With only 20 to 30 head shipped per year, it's a rare delicacy. It's best enjoyed quickly grilled as yakiniku or yaki-shabu. Available at yakiniku restaurants in Abashiri City.
6. Umiake Hairy Crab (A spring delicacy available only around April, right after the drift ice melts)
A springtime delicacy available only after the drift ice has drifted away and fishing resumes. The meat is firm, and its rich kani miso (crab tomalley) has made Umiake Kegani (horsehair crab harvested after the drift ice season) a local favorite. If you visit in spring, be sure to treat yourself to this gourmet delight.
[By Month] Weather, Climate, and Recommended Clothing for Traveling in Abashiri
Abashiri’s temperature and scenery change dramatically with the seasons. To enjoy your trip comfortably, be sure to check the climate and clothing recommendations before you travel.
Winter (November–March): Snow Conditions and Extreme Cold Weather Protection
Winters in Abashiri are harshly cold, and during the drift ice season, subzero temperatures are not uncommon. Prepare with a down jacket, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat—proper cold weather gear is essential.
Spring, Summer, and Autumn (April–October): Climate and Clothing Tips for Comfort
In spring and autumn, mornings and evenings can be chilly, sometimes dropping to around 5–10°C, so it’s best to bring an extra layer. Summers are relatively cool, with highs in the low 20s°C, making it comfortable, but a light jacket is recommended to handle temperature changes.
Summary: Set Off for Abashiri and Discover Its Seasonal Charms!
From historical sites and anime locations to beautiful flowers, breathtaking drift ice, and the rich cuisine of the Sea of Okhotsk, Abashiri is packed with unique attractions each season. It’s also a great base for exploring Eastern Hokkaido, including Shiretoko and Kushiro.
No matter how many times you visit, Abashiri always offers new scenery. Why not extend your next Hokkaido trip and discover it for yourself?
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