Abashiri / Kitami / Shiretoko

Top Things to do

• Abashiri Prison Museum

  4.5

  751 Reviews

  Hokkaido Abashirishi Yobito 1-1

  This historic museum has preserved the former Abashiri Prison barracks as an outdoor museum. It was completely renovated in 2010. The virtual prison movie titled ''Forests Where Inmates in a Red Prison Uniform Worked'' is a must-see digital stereophonic theater experience focusing on the harsh working conditions of the erstwhile prisoners captured with the latest technology. One can explore the facility on a Guided Prison Tour, or actually eat the food the prisoners were given with the Experience Prison Food encounter. Two of the structures, 8 wards, transferred here are treasured as Japan's Important Cultural Properties.

• Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum

  4.0

  371 Reviews

  Hokkaido Abashirishi Tentozan 244-3

  Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which is located on Tentozan in Abashiri City, is a tourist facility based on drift ice and the creatures who live in the Sea of Okhotsk. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum has the biggest projection mapping in Hokkaido and displays the mysterious creatures such as the clione which live in the Sea of Okhotsk. The high-definition five-screen theater which includes a 300-inch screen is also impressive. One very popular experience is freezing a wet towel when touching the ice directly on the drift ice simulation terrace. At the highest observation terrace, 360-degree panoramic views are an amazing sight and have been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty since 1938.

• Yakiniku Abashiri Beer Kan

  4.0

  94 Reviews

  Hokkaido Abashirishi Minaminijounishi 4-1-2

  You can enjoy Wagyu beef and local beer at Yakiniku Abashiri Beer Kan, which is located seven minutes' walk from Abashiri Station. The New York style table seating is on the first floor while the Japanese style sunken kotatsu (a low table over a hole in the floor) seating is on the second floor, and it is a luxurious location to have dinner next to the Abashiri River lit up by the street lights. You can enjoy Abashiri Wagyu beef, the best in Hokkaido, together with Ryu-hyo Draft, which is Okhotsk Blue low-malt beer made with water from Okhotsk drift ice, and Abashiri Premium Beer.

• Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora and Aurora 2

  Hokkaido Abashirishi Minamisanjouhigashi 4-5-1 Road Station Ice Rink Road Abashiri

  The icebreaking ship Aurora/Aurora 2 are large sightseeing vessels that in seasonal service break the drift ice of Okhotsk. In addition to enjoying the sound and impact of breaking ice from the observation deck, you might also be able to catch sight of wild animals such as seals if you are lucky. You can also watch and relax from the first or second floor where there is good heating. The ships’ schedule is decided depending on the drift ice so it is recommended that you check the official site before you go. Shuttle buses are available from Memanbetsu Airport and JR Abashiri Station.

• Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden

  Hokkaido Sharigunkoshimizuchou Hamakoshimizu

  A native flower garden spreading along a slender dune sandwiched between the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu, along National Route 244. From June to August, you can enjoy an array of about 40 different flowers, and in July the typical flowers of the town such as siberian lilies, beach roses and hemerocallis yezoensi, will be at their best. The most recommended season to visit is from mid-June to late-July when the area is full of colorful flowers.

• Kamuiwakka Hot Falls

  Hokkaido Shari-gun, Shari-cho Iwaobetsu Shiretoko National Park

  A waterfall that flows into the river from the active volcano Mt. Shiretoko Io, warms the river like a hot spring. Currently it is possible to walk to the first waterfall but beyond that is closed to the public. The area cannot be accessed by train, so visitors must come by shuttle bus or car. However, there are times when private cars are not allowed access, so be sure to check in advance. Every year there are accidents of people slipping and falling at the waterfall, so please take care and come prepared.

• Mt. Rausu

  Hokkaido Menashigunrausuchou - Shari-gun, Shari-cho

  Mt. Rausu is located around the middle of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, where it is the highest volcano with an elevation of 1,660 meters. In 1964, it was designated as the Shiretoko National Park. And then in 2005, the whole area of the Shiretoko Peninsula including this mountain area was formally listed as World Heritage. Mt. Rausu is one of the Nihon Hyaku Meizan (the most famous 100 mountains in Japan), Hana no Hyaku Meizan (the most famous 100 mountains which have beautiful flowers growing upon it) and Shin (new) Hana no Hyaku Meizan. The starting point of the mountain ascent can be from either the Mt. Shari or the Mt. Rausu side. The Mt. Rausu side is the shorter climb. The best season for climbing is from the middle of June to the end of September.

• Shiretoko National Park

  Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido, Rausu-cho, Megashi-gun

  This national park in which untouched nature remains has also been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural Heritage) and is located in Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido. It is worth seeing the Shiretoko Goko Lakes lying in the virgin forest and the view from the peak of Rausu Mountain overlooking the Shiretoko Peninsula. There are several visitor centers, field houses, and museums in the area, providing information on the rules and manners in the heritage area and the attractions of the Shiretoko National Park. Rausu Visitor Center lends (for a fee) gum boots and bear spray.

• Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Association

  Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido Utoro west 186-8

  "This tourist association is located inside Shari-cho Industry Hall. Besides introducing popular tourist attractions including the eight main sightseeing spots (Shiretoko Hakkei) on its official website, it also has a lot of information about lodging facilities, restaurants and souvenir shops. It releases the latest news of information such as drift ice and winter road conditions. You can also download guide maps. In addition, it also organizes the Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk held every April, and has stalls for trekking bear character ""Toko-san"" goods."