After leaving your luggage at your hotel in Kushiro, it's time to go sightseeing! You can shop for souvenirs from Eastern Hokkaido at the Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a commercial and tourist complex located at the foot of Nusamai Bridge, or take a commemorative photo in front of the "Cool KUSHIRO" monument—both are recommended! You might also want to grab an early meal at "Azumaya", famous for its green soba noodles that originated from "Chikuroen Azuma-ya Sohonten", which has a history of over 100 years, or try Kushiro’s soul food, "Spakatsu" (spaghetti cutlet) at "Restaurant Izumiya."

One of the culinary highlights of Kushiro is “robatayaki” (charcoal-grilled food). There are many places in the city that offer robatayaki, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants with a cozy atmosphere centered around the grill. It pairs perfectly with Kushiro’s local sake “Fukutsukasa”—be sure to try it warmed on the robata grill, known as “dara-kan.”
Among them, the well-established “Robata Uroko,” founded in 1975, is especially recommended. You can sit around a large robata grill at the counter and enjoy the traditional atmosphere only a long-standing restaurant can offer. Here, you’ll be able to savor plenty of fresh seafood, mountain delicacies, and local sake—specialties of this port town.
After enjoying a hearty robatayaki dinner, get a good night’s rest at your hotel in preparation for tomorrow.

After departing Kushiro City on a guided sightseeing bus, you will stop by Lake Akan before heading to the Mashu Lake First Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Mashu Lake—recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage site. Mashu Lake is also famous as the "Foggy Lake Mashu," and its sapphire-blue surface, known as "Mashu Blue," is enchanting. From late January to late February, the water becomes even clearer, deepening the blue and creating a beautiful contrast against the white snowy landscape. During this season, you may also witness the lake freezing over—a natural phenomenon that seems like a true work of art. From the First Observatory, there are snowshoe hiking tours available that allow you to experience Mashu Lake’s nature up close. Since there are many dangerous spots in Hokkaido during winter, it is recommended to participate in guided tours.
Please note: Due to time constraints, guided hiking tours are not available when riding the Kushiro-Shiretoko Line.

This sightseeing ship moves forward while breaking the drift ice floating on the sea. The large vessel “Aurora” provides a comfortable ride with minimal rolling as it crushes the ice, making it suitable even for those prone to seasickness. The first floor has free seating, allowing you to enjoy the drift ice up close at eye level. On the reserved-seat second floor, you can watch the icebreaking process from right in front of you, or go out to the observation deck to experience the overwhelming panorama of drifting ice as far as the eye can see. You may even catch glimpses of seals resting on the ice or Steller’s sea eagles, and sometimes spot red foxes or Ezo deer who have ventured onto the ice from land.
With the newly built “Aurora 3” small sightseeing boat launched in 2023, you can also enjoy watching underwater footage of the drift ice, shown on monitors inside the ship, shot by underwater drones. Drift ice arrives in Abashiri as early as late January and, compared to Shiretoko, is less densely packed, allowing you to admire the blue sea peeking through the gaps between the ice.
Note: The Aurora ticket included in the Winter Abashiri Bus package is for non-reserved seating.

Located at the summit of Mount Tento in Abashiri City, this science museum is themed around drift ice and the Sea of Okhotsk. In the Drift Ice Experience Terrace inside the museum, you can touch real drift ice in a room chilled to minus 15 degrees Celsius. The popular "Shibare Experiment" lets you freeze a wet towel by swinging it around in the cold air. On another floor, you’ll find exhibits of rare creatures such as the "clione," also known as the Angel of Drift Ice. From the observation terrace on the 3rd floor, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view that stretches from Lake Abashiri to Lake Notoro, and all the way to the Shiretoko mountain range across the Sea of Okhotsk. If the timing is right, you may even see the drift ice coming ashore. At the café inside, you can enjoy the “Drift Ice Soft Cream,” a salted caramel flavored ice cream made with Okhotsk sea salt.

After lunch, board the winter-limited sightseeing train “Ryuhyo Monogatari,” which runs along the Okhotsk coastline. This line offers some of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking winter scenery, with views of the Sea of Okhotsk covered in drift ice. At Kitahama Station, known as "the closest station to the drift ice” and used as a location for many movies and dramas, you can gaze at the drift ice on the Okhotsk Sea. The train also stops at Hamakoshimizu Station, where you can shop for souvenirs at the nearby roadside station. Limited edition merchandise is also available for purchase in the sales area on board. Since this train operates only from late January to early March each year, it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
Note: When on the Winter Abashiri All-in-One Bus, you cannot get off at Hamakoshimizu Station.

On the second day, we introduce some lesser-known gourmet spots located a bit outside the city center! Please use a taxi or other transportation as needed.

Robata Akari
Just a short drive (about 15 minutes on foot) from Abashiri Bus Terminal, this popular restaurant offers panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk. Their pride is in the fresh seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, and the seafood kamameshi (rice casserole) here is exceptional! You can also enjoy robatayaki (charcoal grill) and à la carte dishes.

Sushi Dining Tsuki
Less than a 10-minute drive from Abashiri Bus Terminal. This sushi restaurant allows you to casually savor the seafood of Okhotsk. The sushi, made with fresh seafood, is so delicious you’ll be amazed at the value for the price. Box seats and raised tatami seating are also available.

Take the Abashiri “Doko Bus”—a convenient on-demand bus that will take you to the bus stop nearest your activity with a prior reservation! By booking by phone or online, you can board at your chosen stop and get off exactly where you want to go. For more details, check the official Doko Bus website by Abashiri Bus !

Enjoy winter activities on frozen Lake Abashiri! Choose from a guided snowshoe tour where you trek over pure white snow, an exhilarating fat bike ride with wide tires, or the ever-popular winter tradition of smelt fishing on Lake Abashiri.
Which activity will you choose?

Take the Abashiri “Doko Bus”—an on-demand bus that will take you to your desired bus stop with a reservation—for lunch! If you book by phone or online, you can board from your designated stop and go straight to your chosen restaurant. For more information, visit the official Doko Bus website ！

Wa to Umi Haru haru
About a 5-minute walk from Abashiri Bus Terminal. Opened in July 2024, this is a popular restaurant specializing in seafood bowls. The featured “Huge Tempura Bowl Set” uses a lavish amount of locally caught fresh seafood—large enough to serve about five people! The curry made with Shiretoko beef is also recommended. (Get off at Doko Bus stop “A Area 811 Abashiri Bus Terminal”)

Soba-kiri On
Located at the foot of Mt. Tento, this restaurant offers soba noodles made entirely from 100% Hokkaido buckwheat flour. The top recommendation here is oysters, especially the unique “Kakikuki” and tempura, which are exquisite and can only be found here. You can enjoy a relaxing time in a cozy, traditional house-style interior. (Get off at Doko Bus stop “B Area 87 Kazahana,” about a 15-minute walk)

Take the Abashiri “On-Demand Bus Doko Bus” to the Drift Ice Glass Museum. The beautiful glass crafts here are made from “Eco Pirika,” a recycled glass material from discarded fluorescent lights, and resemble drift ice floating on the Sea of Okhotsk. One-of-a-kind glasses and accessories fill the shop and make excellent souvenirs. At the attached “Scenic Café Boshiiwa,” you can warm yourself by the wood stove while gazing out at the drift ice sea. The popular Drift Ice Coffee and Drift Ice Soda are served in unique glassware, making them special drinks you can only enjoy here.