Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Full of mysterious charm! A journey to experience the ancient culture of Okhotsk and encounter the fairy of drift ice, the Clione.

Full of mysterious charm! A journey to experience the ancient culture of Okhotsk and encounter the fairy of drift ice, the Clione.
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
4 days and 3 nights
Main methods of transportation
Car

The Okhotsk coastal area is a mysterious region known to those in the know, with numerous ruins of the 'Okhotsk people' scattered throughout. Many mysterious artifacts have been excavated, and research and investigation are still ongoing. While unraveling the unique Okhotsk culture, you can also experience drift ice and see beautiful flowers in full bloom. Why not embark on a journey to discover the new charms of Okhotsk?

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

Abashiri Municipal Folk Museum

Experience the nature, history, and culture of Abashiri.

Opened in 1936 (Showa 11), it is one of the earliest museums in Hokkaido. The museum exhibits and explains the rich "nature" of Abashiri and the Okhotsk region, as well as the "history and culture" from ancient times to the present.

In 2019 (Reiwa 1), the museum building itself was registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan.

Show Details
Address
網走市桂町1丁目1-3
Telephone Number
0152-43-3090
Open
9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to April)
Closed
Mondays, National Holidays
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29-January 3)
About 10 minutes by car

Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

The only museum in Japan specializing in northern peoples, where you can learn about the culture of northern peoples.

Come to the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples to learn about life in northern climates throughout the world. Taking a comparative approach, this museum features the Okhotsk and Ainu cultures of Japan, as well as groups in Greenland and Northern Europe. With over 900 artifacts arranged thematically on display, visitors can discover how people in northern regions have adapted to their landscape. For a more hands-on experience, daily activities offer the chance to try traditional clothing and crafts, and regular events throughout the year focus on different cultures. As a result of this global perspective, multi-lingual audio guides are available for non-Japanese speakers.

Show Details
Address
網走市字潮見309-1 天都山・道立オホーツク公園内
Telephone Number
0152-45-3888
Open
9:30-16:30 (Jul.-Sep. 9:00-17:00)
Closed
Mondays, The New Year's holiday, and other temporary closures
*No closing days from Feb. and Jul.-Sep.
About 10 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Abashiri City

In addition to business hotels in the city, you can also find hot spring inns and hotels around Lake Abashiri, offering a variety of accommodations to suit different purposes.

Day2
About 10 minutes by car

Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum and Tentozan Observatory

Exploring a Frozen Paradise

This is an exhibition hall themed around drift ice and the creatures of the Sea of Okhotsk. Visitors can experience Okhotsk winter throughout the year in the drift ice experience room, where real drift ice is kept at minus 15 degrees Celsius. Visitors will be amazed at the adorable creatures on display, such as the clione, known as the “drift ice angel,” the balloon fish, and the sea slug. From the Tentozan Observatory, which is located next to the museum, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Mountain Range, a World Natural Heritage site, as well as the changing scenery of the four seasons. This spectacular view has been designated as a national cultural asset and a “place of scenic beauty.

Show Details
Address
網走市天都山244-3
Telephone Number
0152-43-5951
Open
(May-Oct.) 8:30-18:00
(Nov.-Apr.) 9:00-16:30
(Dec. 29th-Jan. 5th) 10:00-15:00
Closed
Open all year round
About 5 minutes by car

Abashiri Prison Museum

Learn About Prison Life on the Inside

Housed within the former prison complex of the same name, the Abashiri Prison Museum offers a unique glimpse into Japanese prison life, past and present. While at Abashiri, explore the fan-shaped wooden buildings originally built by the prisoners who were incarcerated there during the Meiji era (1868-1912). This museum gives you the rare chance to learn about the harsh reality of prisons past, such as how prisoners were forced to build the roads that were a key part of Hokkaido’s development. As you fast forward back to the present, sample the food served to modern prisoners in the museum’s restaurant. Non-Japanese speakers are also in luck; foreign language interpretation is available through graphic panels and touch screens.

Show Details
Address
網走市字呼人1-1
Telephone Number
0152-45-2411
Open
9:00-17:00 (Last admission time 16:00)
Closed
12/31-1/1
About 55 minutes by car

Kitami Mint Memorial Museum, Mint Distillation Hall

The history of Kitami, which accounted for about 70% of the world's mint market

This building once housed administration and research facilities for Kitami, Hokkaido’s mint industry. In its heyday, this site contributed significantly to the development of the Kitami region and once accounted for a staggering 70 % of the world’s market for mint. It is now open to the public as a free museum that commemorates this fascinating history. Exhibits include machinery used in factories of the bygone era as well as informative video presentations. Don’t miss the Distillation Hall which offers visitors a glimpse of the process by which mint was extracted.

Show Details
Address
北見市南仲町1-7-28
Telephone Number
0157-23-6200
Open
(May-Oct.) 9:00-17:00
(Nov.-Apr.) 9:30-16:30
Closed
Mondays and the day following a national holiday
*If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day (if Friday or Saturday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Friday and closed the following day as well)
About 45 minutes by car

Northern Daichi Aquarium

The large tank where natural taimen (Ito) over 1 meter long swim is a must-see.

An aquarium where you can see fish behaving naturally in an environment close to their natural habitat. In Japan's first tank where you can look up at a waterfall from below, you can observe fish swimming desperately against the strong current. Additionally, the large tank where taimen over 1 meter long swim is the largest taimen tank in Japan and is truly impressive. There are also unique exhibits such as tanks that freeze like natural rivers in winter, allowing you to see rare displays that are not usually visible.

Show Details
Address
北見市留辺蘂町松山1-4道の駅おんねゆ温泉エリア内
Telephone Number
0157-45-2223
Open
9:00-17:30
Closed
April 8 - April 14, December 2nd Monday - Friday, December 31, January 1
About 40 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Onneyu Hot Spring

A hot spring resort that is also a popular place to stay for tours to East Hokkaido

A well-known hot spring known by those in the know with a history of over 100 years. All of the hot spring water is free-flowing from the source, and is known for its anti-aging properties and skin whitening and beautifying properties. One-day bathing is also available, making it a great place to casually enjoy the hot spring on a road trip. The area is also dotted with places famous for their flowers, such as Ezomurasaki azalea in early May and Japanese honeysuckle in summer, and the Nezu-no-oka Garden offers a variety of flowers from spring to summer.

Show Details
Address
北見市留辺蘂町温根湯温泉
Telephone Number
0157-45-2921
Day3
About 80 minutes by car

Engaru Town Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center / Buried Cultural Property Center

In June 2023, the first National Treasure designation for Paleolithic materials! Learn about Earth's activities at Shirataki Geopark, "one of the largest obsidian production areas in Japan."

The important cultural property "Artifacts from the Shirataki Site Cluster in Hokkaido," owned by Engaru Town and exhibited at the Buried Cultural Property Center, was designated as a National Treasure in 2023. This is the second National Treasure designation in Hokkaido, following the "Hollow Clay Figurine" in Hakodate City, and the first for Paleolithic materials! The stone tools excavated from the Shirataki Site Cluster are among the best in quality and quantity of Paleolithic artifacts in Japan, allowing you to see up close the luster of obsidian and the sharp-edged stone tools from 20,000 years ago. Additionally, there is the Engaru Town Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center, which explains the story of the birth of obsidian, one of the largest obsidian production areas in Japan, through exhibits and videos. Be sure to visit and see one of the only two National Treasures in Hokkaido!

Show Details
Address
遠軽町白滝138-1白滝総合支所
Telephone Number
0158-42-4819
Open
9:00-17:00 (Last admission time 16:30)
Open daily from May to October
Closed
Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays from November to April
About 30 minutes by car

Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori

Hear the whistle blow! Ride the Hokkaido Heritage Forest Railway SL through the refreshing birch forest!

Located about 9 km from Maruseppu city center, this park is blessed with lush, green nature. The Hokkaido Heritage steam locomotive "Amemiya No. 21," which runs within the park for a limited time, is particularly popular and impressive! The park is also equipped with various playground equipment such as a fluffy dome and go-karts, making it a bustling spot for families on weekends.

Show Details
Address
紋別郡遠軽町丸瀬布上武利80
Telephone Number
0158-47-2213
Open
Amemiya No. 21 Operation Hours / First Departure: 10:00–Last Departure: 16:30
*Operation period is generally on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during summer vacation. Please check the official website for details.
Closed
Closed for winter from late October to late April.
About 90 minutes by car

Tokoro Ruins Forest

Tracing the historical transitions from the Jomon period

Located in a vast forest near Lake Saroma, the "Tokoro Ruins Forest" is dotted with many pit dwellings that have been preserved for visitors to explore. The guidance facility, "Tokoro Ruins Museum," showcases numerous archaeological artifacts such as pottery and stone tools excavated from this area, introducing the unique culture and history of the Okhotsk region.

Show Details
Address
北見市常呂町栄浦371
Telephone Number
0152-54-3393
Open
9:00–17:00 (Tokoro Ruins Museum)
Closed
Closed on Mondays and the day after public holidays (except when the day after a public holiday is also a public holiday), and during the New Year holidays.
About 5 minutes by car

Wakka Wild Flower Garden

Admire Beautiful Flora

The largest coastal grassland in Japan, facing the Sea of Okhotsk, is abloom with seasonal wildflowers every year. The Wakka Wild Flower Garden is home to over 300 different species of flower, blazing across the plains in a rainbow of colors, especially in spring and summer. Some of the unique varieties include ezo engosaku (corydalis ambigua, a blue tuberous poppy) in spring, the Siberian lily and rugosa rose in summer and the common glasswort in autumn. The garden is also a breeding ground for a range of wild birds, including the Siberian Rubythroat, African Stonechat, and Black-faced Bunting. For the ultimate experience, try an oceanside bike ride alongside the vast, scented flower beds, where you hope you’ll catch these birds flittering among the flora.

Show Details
Address
北見市常呂町栄浦
Telephone Number
0152-54-3434
Open
8:00-17:00, (Jun.-Aug.) 8:00-18:00
Closed
Oct.-Late Apr.
About 20 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Lake Saroma Shore

Lake Saroma, the largest lake in Hokkaido, is located in Saroma Town.

In addition to its specialty pumpkins, the town is rich in marine resources such as scallops, Hokkai shrimp, and oysters. Why not take a stroll to Lake Saroma, which is also known as a famous spot for sunsets?

Day4
About 60 minutes by car

Garinko Fishing Cruise

Great news for fishing enthusiasts! Enjoy a casual fishing experience.

Photo provided by Monbetsu Tourism Promotion Corporation

In winter, the Garinko ship operates as an icebreaker. Now, you can board it for a fishing adventure targeting flatfish and more! Rod rentals and bait sales are available, so please inform us when booking if you need them. Women and children can also enjoy this experience easily. (Advance reservation required / Operates with a minimum of 10 reservations)

There is also a food court at the Marine Exchange Center near the Garinko boarding area, making it convenient for lunch.

Show Details
Address
紋別市海洋公園1
Telephone Number
0158-24-8000
Open
Operating Period: Late May to mid-July
Departure Time: 7:00 (Duration: 5 hours)
About 5 minutes by car

Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum

Fun facility to learn more about drift ice

This facility introduces drift ice from various angles, and the images of drift ice on the dome-shaped screen are particularly powerful! In the “Severe Cold Experience Room,” where temperatures are kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius all year round, visitors can experience the Okhotsk winter even in the middle of summer. In addition, visitors can always observe clione, the “floating angels of drift ice,” floating in the water.

Show Details
Address
紋別市元紋別11
Telephone Number
0158-23-5400
Open
9:00-17:00
Closed
Mondays (except national holidays), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29-January 3)
No holidays from January 4 to the end of March.
Goal
See map
  • Abashiri Municipal Folk Museum
  • Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
  • [Accommodation] Abashiri City
  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum and Tentozan Observatory
  • Abashiri Prison Museum
  • Kitami Mint Memorial Museum, Mint Distillation Hall
  • Northern Daichi Aquarium
  • [Accommodation] Onneyu Hot Spring
  • Engaru Town Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center / Buried Cultural Property Center
  • Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori
  • Tokoro Ruins Forest
  • Wakka Wild Flower Garden
  • [Accommodation] Lake Saroma Shore
  • Garinko Fishing Cruise
  • Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum

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