[Published December 24, 2025] We bring you seasonal tourist information for Abashiri from December to February [Vol. 7]

*This is an archive of the email newsletter distributed on December 24, 2025.

Hello. This is the Abashiri City Tourism Association.
This is the seventh issue of our email newsletter.
We will provide you with the latest information on Abashiri, so please use it when planning your trip.

1. "The Bell That Grants Wishes" and "Ema (votive tablets) with Scallop Shells"

On Friday, December 19, 2025, a "Bell that Grants Wishes" and "Ema (votive tablets) in the shape of scallop shells" were newly installed at Cape Notoro Lighthouse.

From Cape Notoro, you can see the Shiretoko mountain range, and in the summer, whales and dolphins migrate offshore, while drift ice arrives in the winter. The cape also boasts the picturesque black and white Cape Notoro Lighthouse, making it a popular tourist destination frequently used as a filming location for movies and commercials.
In this beautiful location, a "Bell that Grants Wishes" and "Ema (votive tablets) in the shape of scallop shells" have been newly installed.

To commemorate the completion of the building, we are holding a "We'll Grant Your Wish Campaign." Write what you would like to do in Abashiri on a scallop shell ema (votive tablet), ring the bell, and then scan the QR code on the shell with your smartphone to enter.

Participation is free during the campaign period.

Period: December 19th (Sat) - 31st (Wed), 2025
*The "We'll Grant Your Wish Campaign" has ended as of the time of the archived broadcast.

↓↓Related sites are here↓↓

Campaign site

Official "Bell that Grants Wishes" and "Scallop Shell Ema (votive tablet)"

2. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora

Drift ice forms when freshwater from the Amur River, a major river flowing along the border between China and Russia, freezes into the Sea of Okhotsk and grows larger as it moves southward. The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Aurora is a large ship that can break through this drift ice, and wild animals such as seals and Steller's sea eagles can sometimes be seen perched on the ice.
The Abashiri drift ice sightseeing icebreaker Aurora is scheduled to operate from January 20th to March 31st this season. For details and reservations, please visit the official website via the button below.

Fee
January and March: Adults (junior high school age and older) 5,000 yen, elementary school students 2,500 yen
February: Adults (junior high school age and older) 6,000 yen, elementary school students 3,000 yen

↓↓Related sites are here↓↓

Abashiri drift ice sightseeing icebreaker Aurora

3. Smelt fishing on Lake Abashiri

You can easily enjoy smelt fishing at Lake Abashiri, which boasts the largest smelt catch in Hokkaido, without needing to bring any equipment.

We have rental sets available that include all the necessary fishing equipment (fishing license fee), so as long as you bring warm clothing, you can start fishing right away. You can also have the freshly caught smelt made into tempura, allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh smelt.

In order to protect the smelt resource, the 2026 season will be shortened, with operations from January 5th to February 11th, 2026.

Set price
Adults: 2,200 yen, Elementary school students: 1,750 yen

Set contents
Fishing fee, rental rod, tackle, bait, hole drilling fee, rental chair

↓↓Related sites are here↓↓

Lake Abashiri smelt fishing

4. JR Hokkaido Senmo Main Line Drift Ice Story Train

From January 31st (Saturday) to March 1st (Sunday), 2026, the "Drift Ice Story Train" will be in operation, allowing passengers to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Okhotsk Sea coast from the train windows. To enhance the viewing experience, the train will slow down in some sections and make stops at Kitahama station on the southbound journey and Hamakoshimizu Station on the northbound journey.
The TV game "Okhotsk ni Kiyu," set in eastern Hokkaido, is collaborating with the Ryuhyo Monogatari train. The train will operate with original headmarks and destination signs, and there will be plenty of fun activities, including guided tours along the route by Abashiri City tourism volunteers and sales of original collaboration goods.

Fare (Abashiri Station to Shiretoko-Shari Station)
The basic fare is 1,040 yen + reserved seat ticket 840 yen (unreserved seats are also available).

↓↓Related sites are here↓↓

JR Hokkaido Senmo Main Line Drift Ice Story Train

5. Fat Bike Experience Tour

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.

Price: Cape Notoro course (approx. 3.5 hours) 11,000 yen, Coastline course (approx. 2 hours) 7,700 yen

↓↓Related sites are here↓↓

Fat bike experience tour

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

Abashiri City Tourism Association