Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Explore Abashiri’s rich history and natural beauty within a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. This storied museum offers a serene escape into the atmosphere of the early 20th century.

Opened in 1936, the Abashiri City Folk Museum is among Hokkaido’s most historic institutions. Designed by architect Yoshiya Tanoue and designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2019, the building is a masterpiece of 1930s design. Opening its heavy, historic doors transports you into an elegant, symmetrical space where the quiet stillness makes time feel as though it has truly stopped.

The museum houses about 15,000 artifacts that tell the story of the land and its people. You can discover the unique Okhotsk culture through Moyoro Shell Mound findings and observe the resilient wildlife that thrives in the harsh northern winters. As you explore the galleries, the textures of ancient pottery and the scent of historic manuscripts bring the past vividly to life. Bathed in soft light from the windows, it is the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity and trace the journey of a city shaped by the Okhotsk Sea.

As Japan’s only ethnographic museum dedicated to northern regions, this world-class institution invites visitors to step into the resilient cultures shaped by the Arctic and subarctic worlds.

Opened in 1991, the museum presents the diverse cultures of northern peoples ranging from Greenland to Scandinavia. Its themed exhibitions explore ways of life forged in extreme environments, from reindeer herding to sea mammal hunting. Visitors come face to face with remarkable authentic artifacts, including clothing crafted from seal intestines and canoes made of birch bark—powerful testaments to human ingenuity and adaptation.

A highlight of the museum is the section devoted to Okhotsk culture, a history unique to Hokkaido. Through immersive audio-visual displays, visitors can hear the sounds of traditional instruments and admire the intricate beauty of northern designs. In the museum’s quiet, evocative atmosphere, the lives of those who thrived in the sub-zero world seem to quietly come alive.

In Abashiri, overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, immerse yourself in a timeless journey through the northern world, where prehistory and the present meet at the edge of the Arctic.

Experience the raw beauty and power of drift ice—any time of year. Perched atop scenic Mt. Tento, this destination offers an unforgettable sub-zero adventure and sweeping 360-degree views.

Step inside and enter a frozen world kept at -15°C. Surrounded by 100 tons of real drift ice, the sharp chill fills the air as your breath turns white before your eyes. Touch the solid ice and imagine its long journey across distant northern seas.

In the aquarium, delicate clione—known as the “angels of the drift ice”—drift gracefully through the water, while charming lumpsuckers and snailfish delight visitors with their round, endearing forms. After your sub-zero experience, stop by the first-floor café and try the signature “drift ice soft serve.” Made with salt from the Sea of Okhotsk, its gentle saltiness pairs perfectly with caramel sweetness.

Finally, head up to the rooftop observation terrace. A breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds, featuring Lake Abashiri and the Shiretoko Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. From vibrant summer greens to drift ice blanketing the sea in winter, the ever-changing landscape offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into Hokkaido’s wild beauty.

Step into Japan’s only full-scale open-air prison museum, where Meiji- and Taisho-era buildings reveal the lives of former inmates. The Abashiri Prison Museum offers a rare, immersive glimpse into Japan’s penal history.

The museum preserves iconic wooden structures from the former Abashiri Prison, including cell blocks, the administration office, and a chapel. With 8 Important Cultural Properties and 6 registered Tangible Cultural Properties, visitors can experience history firsthand.

The centerpiece is the Cell Block and Central Guard House, an Important Cultural Property. Five wooden wings radiate from a central watchtower, letting a single guard monitor all corridors. It is the world’s oldest surviving wooden radial prison and the only one in Japan. Some of the 226 cells are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into prisoner life.

Other historic buildings include the pale blue-and-gray Administration Office, the self-sustaining Futamigaoka Branch Prison, and the Kyokaido (Chapel) blending Japanese and Western styles. In the theater, a three-screen presentation recreates the grueling roadwork performed by prisoners.

Visit the Prison Cafeteria for a recreation of inmate meals. Exclusive merchandise is available at the museum shop, and Hokkaido specialties can be found at the on-site store. With history, architecture, and immersive experiences, the Abashiri Prison Museum is a must-visit in Abashiri.

Experience a world-class legacy at this nationally recognized industrial heritage site, marking the era when Kitami supplied about 70% of the global mint market.

Once a global powerhouse of mint production, its history comes alive at this memorial museum. Housed in a charming 1934 Western-style building—formerly a factory office—the museum greets you with a sharp, nostalgic aroma the moment you enter. Explore fascinating displays of vintage mint products, dried specimens, and rare documents that illustrate how this fragrant industry built the region's prosperity.

At the adjacent Mint Distillery, you can step inside a reconstructed traditional workshop to see authentic distillation equipment in action. Surrounded by an invigorating mint scent, you will feel the passion and ingenuity of the craftsmen who extracted "liquid gold" during Kitami's peak. It is a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of Japanese craftsmanship through a truly refreshing and unforgettable journey into Kitami’s past.

Located within a Michi-no-Eki in Kitami City, Kitanodaichi Aquarium focuses on Hokkaido’s freshwater life, featuring world-first and Japan-first exhibits that bring the raw power of Hokkaido’s rivers to life.

As you step inside, the “Waterfall Basin Tank”—the first of its kind in Japan—immediately captures your attention. From a vantage point beneath the water, you can watch fish swim against a strong current. Their tails cut through white, foaming bubbles, creating a sense of raw energy. In winter, the aquarium unveils a world-first: a tank where the surface freezes over, mimicking a natural river. In the quiet atmosphere, fish glide beneath pale blue ice in a winter spectacle found only here.

Another highlight is the exhibit of Ito (Sakhalin taimen), Japan’s largest freshwater fish. This display is among the largest in the country, featuring around 10 massive individuals, each over 1 meter in length. Known as the “phantom fish,” the sight of these giants passing before you is striking. Surrounded by the scent of pure water and the sound of flowing streams, this spot offers a deep connection to Hokkaido’s aquatic ecosystems.

Experience over 100 years of tradition at Onneyu Hot Spring, a sanctuary famous for its 100% free-flowing "beauty skin" waters and vibrant seasonal flower gardens.

Onneyu Hot Spring is a historic destination where every bath is filled with pure, mineral-rich water directly from the source. These gentle springs are celebrated for their ability to enhance skin clarity and provide natural anti-aging benefits. Since day-trip bathing is available, it is an easy and refreshing stop to add to any Hokkaido driving itinerary.

The surrounding landscape changes beautifully with the seasons. You can admire vibrant Ezo purple azaleas in the spring and elegant Japanese irises in the summer. At Nene-no-oka Hill Garden, a colorful variety of blossoms welcomes visitors from spring through late summer, offering a peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.

Serving as a convenient hub for exploring Eastern Hokkaido, Onneyu Hot Spring is the perfect place to soothe your body and mind. A quiet moment surrounded by flowers and healing waters will undoubtedly become a highlight of your travels.

At Shirataki, one of the world’s premier obsidian sources, you can witness Japan’s first Paleolithic National Treasures—where prehistoric craftsmanship meets the raw power of the earth.

Your journey begins at the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center, where you can explore the geological drama that created this "volcanic glass" through immersive videos and panels. A highlight of the visit is the hands-on experience: by touching the cool, smooth surface of raw obsidian, you can feel the mystery of the earth’s dynamism for yourself.

Continue to the adjacent Engaru Archaeological Center to see these stones transformed by human hands. In 2023, the "Excavated Items from the Hokkaido Shirataki Sites" were designated as National Treasures—a historic first for Paleolithic materials in Japan. Crafted about 20,000 years ago, these artifacts are breathtaking in both volume and beauty. The deep black, glass-like luster remains as sharp today as it was millennia ago, offering a profound and vivid connection to the ancient people who once thrived in Hokkaido.

Experience the "Amemiya 21," a living piece of Hokkaido Heritage. Feel the power and nostalgia of a steam engine that still breathes life into the woods today.

Located about 9km from central Maruseppu, this lush park is home to the Amemiya 21, a legendary steam locomotive built in 1928. Once a vital part of the logging industry, this majestic machine was saved from retirement by dedicated locals. Today, it remains Japan’s only locomotive of its kind still operating on its original tracks. As it travels the park’s figure-eight course, the billowing white steam, the scent of coal, and the echoes of its whistle transport you back to a bygone era.

The expansive grounds offer more than just history. Families can enjoy go-karts and "fluffy dome" trampolines, while the auto-campground is perfect for nature lovers. With an onsite history museum and a year-round Insect Museum, there are endless ways to satisfy your curiosity. Surrounded by the gentle murmur of rivers and trees, Maruseppu Forest Park is a unique destination where historical legacy and natural beauty meet.

Pedal through a vibrant tapestry of 300 wildflower species on this narrow coastal path, a designated Hokkaido Heritage site.

The narrow, 20-km sandbar between the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Saroma is a mystical place known as “Ryugu Kaido” (Dragon’s Palace Road). This 700-hectare grassland is home to an extraordinary variety of native flora. From June to August, the landscape transforms into a living canvas, where vivid pink Hamanasu roses and brilliant orange Ezo-sukashiyuri lilies bloom across the horizon. As you move through the area, the sweet scent of flowers drifts on the crisp sea breeze, while the powerful waves of the Okhotsk Sea contrast beautifully with the calm surface of Lake Saroma.

At the Wakka Nature Center, bicycles are available for rent, offering the best way to explore this unique ecosystem. Since motor vehicles are prohibited, the entire area remains a peaceful sanctuary where only birdsong and the rustling wind accompany your journey. The name “Wakka” comes from the Ainu word for “fresh water,” referring to the pure springs that rise here despite being surrounded by the sea. Cycling along the clear waters of Saroman Blue, you can gradually feel yourself blending into the vast, untouched landscapes of Hokkaido.

Experience the raw power and ethereal beauty of drift ice year-round! Step into a world of -20°C to touch real ice, watch "Sea Angels" dance, and immerse yourself in a massive 360-degree dome theater that brings the Okhotsk Sea to life.

The Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum is an interactive center dedicated to the mysteries of the frozen North. The highlight is the 15-meter wide, 360-degree dome theater. With stunning visuals and surround sound, you will feel as though you are swimming through the icy sea. Since its 2018 renovation, the theater has offered an even more vivid and breathtaking portrayal of the region’s natural wonders.

Enter the "Extreme Cold Experience Room," kept at a biting -20°C. About 100 tons of authentic drift ice are on display, allowing you to feel the incredible chill even in summer. You can try the "frozen towel" experiment or create "frozen soap bubbles" that shimmer with rainbow colors as they crystallize—a magical sight that captures the essence of a Hokkaido winter.

The museum also hosts Japan’s largest collection of Clione, the mysterious "Sea Angels." Beyond these captivating creatures, you can explore 140 fish specimens preserved in ice and the original test vessel for the "Garinko-go" icebreaker. From hands-on science to maritime history, this museum offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the ice.