*This is an archive of the email newsletter distributed on February 4, 2025.

Hello, this is the Abashiri City Tourism Association.
 
This is the fourth e-mail newsletter.
We will provide you with the latest information on Abashiri, so please use it when planning your trip.

1. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora

Drift ice is born in the frigid Amur River, and eventually turns into a white expanse before reaching Abashiri City. The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora is a large ship that can move forward while breaking up the drift ice. Wild animals such as seals and Steller's sea eagles sometimes stand on the drift ice, and you can enjoy a mysterious, shining white world that cannot be seen from land.

The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora is scheduled to operate until March 31st. For details and reservations, please visit the official website by clicking the button below.

Fee

February: Adults (junior high school students and above) 5,000 yen, elementary school students 2,500 yen
March: Adults (junior high school students and above) 4,500 yen, elementary school students 2,250 yen

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora (Official Site)

2. Smelt fishing at Lake Abashiri

Until mid-March, you can enjoy smelt fishing, a winter tradition, at Lake Abashiri. Lake Abashiri, which is connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, is a popular spot for smelt fishing, as you can catch large smelt over 10 centimeters in length that return to the lake after storing up nutrients in the sea. Fishing equipment is also available for rental, so you can drop in empty-handed.
You can also have freshly caught smelt made into tempura, allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh smelt.

Set fee
Adults: 2,200 yen, elementary school students: 1,750 yen
Set contents:
Recreational fishing fee, rental rod, tackle, bait, drilling fee, rental chair

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Lake Abashiri smelt fishing

3. Drift Ice Story Train JR Hokkaido Senmo Main Line

Starting Saturday, February 1st, the "Ryuhyo Monogatari" train will be operating, allowing passengers to enjoy the spectacular views of the Sea of Okhotsk coast from the train window. To allow passengers to enjoy the scenery even more, the train will slow down in some sections and stop at Kitahama station on the outbound journey and Hamakoshimizu Station on the inbound journey.
This year, there will be a collaboration with the TV game "Disappearing in Okhotsk," which is set in eastern Hokkaido, and you can enjoy information about the area along the train line and purchase of original collaborative goods.

4. Kitahama station (JR Hokkaido Senmo Main Line)

Kitahama station was also the filming location for the movie "Abashiri Bangaichi," and is the station closest to the Sea of Okhotsk and the drift ice. In winter, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the drift ice and the Shiretoko mountain range from the observation deck next to the station building.
Inside the station, you can also enjoy a meal at the "Teishaba" restaurant, which has a retro atmosphere, and the surprising sight of travelers' business cards plastered all over the station.

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Abashiri City Tourism Association Kitahama station

5. Cape Notoro Lighthouse and Fat Bike

A fat bike is a bicycle that can be cycled without slipping even on ice. It allows you to enjoy the natural air, the sound of the waves, the chirping of birds, the scent of nature, and other experiences that you cannot get from a car.
The "Enjoy with all your senses!! Fat Bike Experience Tour" has two courses: the "Cape Notoro Course" and the "Coastline Course." On the "Cape Notoro Course," you can enjoy the spectacular view of drift ice spreading across the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Mountain Range. A cycling guide will accompany you, so even beginners can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Enjoy with all your senses! Fat bike experience tour

6. Okhotsk Food Stall Village

From Friday, February 7th to Saturday, February 8th, the Abashiri Okhotsk Food Stall Village will be held, where you can enjoy piping hot delicious yakiniku and seafood, as well as warm Abashiri Chanpon and ramen in the bitter cold. At the "Ice Bar," with its eye-catching tables made of ice, you can also enjoy cocktails and juices served in ice glasses. We hope that anyone visiting Abashiri will join us.

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Okhotsk Yatai Village

7. Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

The Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival will be held at the Abashiri Commercial Port Wharf from Saturday, February 8th to Sunday, February 9th, and will feature food stalls, snow sculptures, and various other events.
On Saturday, February 8th, Tom Brown, a finalist in the M-1 Grand Prix 2018 and 2024, will appear on the comedy stage.
Additionally, the "ICE BREAKING MUSIC FEST" will be held at Abashiri Civic Hall on Saturday, February 8th, with a lineup of impressive performers including Yudai Takenaka, the vocalist of the popular five-member rock band Novelbright, and impersonator Kintaro.

↓↓Related sites here↓↓

Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

What did you think of this seasonal Abashiri tourist information?
We look forward to your visit.