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 specializing in northern regions, the museum offers a fascinating look at the cultures of people who have adapted their lives to the north.

Opened in 1991, the museum introduces the diverse cultures of northern peoples from Greenland to Scandinavia. Themed exhibitions explore ways of life shaped by harsh environments, including reindeer herding and sea mammal hunting. Visitors can see remarkable authentic artifacts up close, including clothing made from seal intestines and boats constructed from birch bark, offering a vivid glimpse into how people lived in harmony with their natural surroundings.

A highlight is the section devoted to Okhotsk culture, a distinctive part of Hokkaido’s history. Audio-visual displays bring the exhibits to life, allowing visitors to hear traditional northern instruments and appreciate the intricate beauty of the designs. As you explore the quiet exhibition spaces, the wisdom and cultures of people who lived in harsh northern environments seem to quietly come alive.

In Abashiri, overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, take a moment to discover the cultures of the northern world, from prehistoric times to the present.

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 showcases Hokkaido’s freshwater life, featuring world- and Japan-first exhibits that bring the 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 powerful current. Their tails cut through white, foaming bubbles, creating a vivid sense of the river’s power. In winter, the aquarium unveils a world-first: a tank whose surface freezes over, recreating a natural winter river. In the tranquil setting, fish glide beneath pale blue ice in a spectacle found only here.

Another highlight is the exhibit of Ito (Sakhalin taimen), Japan’s largest freshwater fish. This is one of the largest Ito exhibits in Japan, featuring around 10 massive fish, each over 1 meter long. Known as the “phantom fish,” these giants make a striking impression as they glide past. Surrounded by the scent of pure water and the sound of flowing streams, this unique setting offers a deeper connection to Hokkaido’s aquatic ecosystems.

Experience more than 120 years of history at Onneyu Hot Spring, a peaceful retreat in eastern Hokkaido known for its abundant hot spring waters and seasonal flowers.

Nestled between Akan-Mashu National Park, Daisetsuzan National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, Onneyu Hot Spring has welcomed visitors since 1899. Its name comes from the Ainu word onne, meaning "large," reflecting the area's abundant supply of hot spring water. The baths are continuously fed from the source, while the gentle scent of sulfur creates the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring. The mildly alkaline sulfur spring is known for its smooth feel, leaving your skin soft and refreshed after a soak.

Seasonal flowers add to the area's charm. In spring, Ezo purple azaleas brighten the hillsides, while Japanese irises bloom in summer. Visitors can also stroll through Nene-no-Oka Garden and nearby flower gardens to enjoy the changing scenery.

Long cherished as a peaceful retreat near Kitami, Onneyu Hot Spring is an ideal place to relax in mineral-rich waters while enjoying the natural beauty of eastern Hokkaido. Whether on a road trip or exploring the nearby national parks, visitors can experience the region's quiet charm and unhurried pace.

Explore one of Japan’s largest obsidian sources and see precious Paleolithic artifacts up close.

At the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center, learn how obsidian was formed by volcanic activity through dynamic videos and informative panels. You can also touch raw obsidian and experience its cool, smooth texture while discovering the geological forces that shaped this natural volcanic glass.

Next, visit the Engaru Archaeological Center to see how obsidian was shaped into tools by human hands. In 2023, the “Excavated Items from the Hokkaido Shirataki Sites” were designated as Japan’s first National Treasure for Paleolithic artifacts. The collection, which includes stone tools made about 20,000 years ago, offers a fascinating glimpse into the skills and ingenuity of people who lived in Hokkaido long ago. The deep black obsidian, with its distinctive glass-like luster and sharp edges, brings the distant world of Paleolithic life vividly to the present.

Experience the “Amemiya 21,” a living piece of Hokkaido Heritage. Feel the power, sound, and nostalgia of a steam locomotive that continues to run through the forest today.

Located about 9 km from central Maruseppu, this lush park is home to the Amemiya 21, a historic steam locomotive built in 1928. Once used in the logging industry, the locomotive was saved from being scrapped through the efforts of local residents. Today, it remains the only operating forest railway steam locomotive of its kind in Japan. Running along the park’s unique figure-eight track, it fills the air with white steam, the scent of coal, and the nostalgic sound of its whistle.

The park offers much more than railway history. Families can enjoy go-karts and inflatable dome playgrounds, while nature lovers can stay at the auto campground. An onsite local history museum and a year-round insect museum provide opportunities for learning and discovery.

Surrounded by forests, rivers, and fresh mountain air, Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi-no-Mori is a special destination where Hokkaido’s industrial heritage and natural beauty come together.

Pedal through a vibrant landscape 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, vivid pink Hamanasu roses and brilliant orange Ezo-sukashiyuri lilies bloom across the landscape. As you cycle through the area, the sweet scent of flowers drifts on the crisp sea breeze, while the powerful waves of the Sea of Okhotsk contrast beautifully with the calm waters of Lake Saroma.

Bicycles are available for rent at the Wakka Nature Center, offering the best way to explore this unique ecosystem. With motor vehicles prohibited, the area remains a peaceful sanctuary where only birdsong and 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 beside the clear waters of Saroman Blue, you can gradually feel yourself becoming one with Hokkaido’s vast, untouched landscape.

Experience the raw power and beauty of drift ice year-round! Step into a world of -20°C to touch real ice, watch graceful "Sea Angels," and immerse yourself in a 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. Its highlight is a 15-meter-wide, 360-degree dome theater. Stunning visuals and surround sound make you feel as though you are swimming beneath the icy sea. Renovated in 2018, the theater offers an even more vivid portrayal of the region's natural wonders.

Enter the Extreme Cold Experience Room, kept at -20°C, where about 100 tons of authentic drift ice remain on display year-round. Try the frozen towel experiment or create shimmering frozen soap bubbles that crystallize into rainbow colors—a magical taste of a Hokkaido winter.

The museum also houses Japan's largest collection of Clione, the mysterious "Sea Angels." You can also see 140 fish specimens preserved in ice and the original test vessel for the Garinko-go icebreaker. Combining hands-on science, marine life, and maritime history, the museum offers an unforgettable journey into the world of drift ice.