Destinations

Abashiri

"Best known for its prison and harsh winter, Abashiri feels a little bit like the end of the earth. However, the natural landscapes are spectacular and the town makes for an interesting stop on a Hokkaido adventure"

Alastair Donnelly - Director

Abashiri, the largest town on the Okhostk Coast of northeastern Hokkaido, is predominantly a fishing town. In addition to an abundance of seasonal seafood available throughout the year, it is also blessed with natural beauty such as primeval flower gardens, lakes and in winter, the dramatic ice flows which extend far out into the Sea of Okhostk.

However, when you say you will be visiting Abashiri to any Japanese they will immediately exclaim "Keimusho!" meaning "prison". This is certainly not to say that staying in Abashiri is in any way similar to being retained at Her Majesty's pleasure. Rather it is in reference to "Kangoku", the Meiji era penal facility built here to house serious offenders and political prisoners. Opened in 1892, this institution had a fearsome reputation and with the exceptionally harsh winters, life here was very tough indeed. Today the prison has been turned into an excellent museum where you can stroll through all the old buildings and even spend some time in a cell.

In addition to the prison, Abashiri has lots of places to enjoy, such as the Koshimizu Gensei-kaen (Wild Flower Preserve), where about 40 kinds of flowers bloom in spring and summer; Lake Notori-ko, where coral weed makes the surface red as if a carpet had been laid over it; Lake Saroma-ko, which is separated from the sea by a long, thin sandbar; and Lake Tofutsu-ko, famous for its swans.

Mt. Tento-zan in the suburbs is a great place from which to view Abashiri. In the Okhostk Ryuhyo-kan (Ice Flow Museum) you can see real ice flows even in the middle of summer, and experience a temperature of minus 15 degrees. You can also see a type of conch called a clione, whose back is plumed like a fairy tale angel, and is known as the "angel of the ice flows."

Products featuring Abashiri...

Small Group Tour

Winter Highlights

Japan is a unique winter holiday destination and Winter Highlights brings you the very best of the season with the Sapporo Snow festival, rare birds, the charming snow monkeys and the hauntingly beautiful shrines and temples of Kyoto. This is a winter-time holiday treat you will savour forever.

14 Nights: £3250

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