Abashiri、Hokkaido

Abashiri is a town in the north of Hokkaido, famous for two things. The sea ice that flows into the bay during February, and a prison (and prison museum, which is probably more of interest to tourists).

According to the Abashiri Government report, the number of tourists in Abashiri peaks in August (Hokkaido is much cooler in summer so many Japanese retreat from the oppressive summer heat further south) and then a smaller peak in February for the sea ice (where more foreigners arrive – the blue line below). Going to Hokkaido in the summer isn’t so much of a draw for those outside of Japan as Hokkaido is less convenient to travel and less foreigner friendly (in terms of English)

Of the foreign tourists, the vast majority are from Taiwan (grey) and Hong Kong (yellow) and Chinese (blue). That makes up just over 70% of all the foreign tourists. “When Japan” went to see the sea ice in February of 2012 and was surprised at the lack of Japanese on the ice boats tours.

The two major attractions are the sea ice boats and then prison museum. Both are highly recommended although travel in the area is very difficult without a car and the buses are not that frequent. If you can hire a car that would be the good option as it will allow free travel to the various spots along the northern coast without having to wait for buses. However, weather conditions and a lack of familiarity might put you off, in which case buses are the only real option other than taxis.