ABOUT
ABASHIRI
Abashiri City is located in the northern part of Hokkaido along the Okhotsk Sea (pronounced ok-ho-tsk). It’s on your way to the Shiretoko National Park from Memanbetsu Airport.
Abashiri offers more than the drift Ice! Spend some time in this old fishing town and explore the city yourself!
Abashiri City is located in the northern part of Hokkaido along the Okhotsk Sea (pronounced ok-ho-tsk). It’s on your way to the Shiretoko National Park from Memanbetsu Airport.
Abashiri offers more than the drift Ice! Spend some time in this old fishing town and explore the city yourself!
THINGS TO DO
Whether nature or culture, Abashiri provides various enjoyments for visitors from outside Hokkaido.
Abashiri City lies in the midst of Abashiri Quasi-National Park. Thirty-five percent of the entire land is forest among which 50% is untouched forest. It has 4 lakes, one of which is registered with the Ramsar Convention.
The city has a history that goes back to 1812. The old paintings that were offered to the local shrine still exist in Abashiri Shrine. Abashiri is also the northern most place in Japan where lacquer tree is cultivated. Lacquer was brought into Abashiri by the pioneers of the Aizu clan in Edo era - and one of the old trees still exists.
There’s so many things to do, so many places to go while you’re here!
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HOURLY GUIDE
What is the drift ice all about? What’s the story behind the prison?
What do you do at a shrine? Why not have a look-see of this town at the northern tip of Japan?
From museums to shopping or just a drive around the wheat fields, I can take you around to your request.MORE -
SOBA -MAKING EXPERIENCE
Soba is the traditional Japanese noodles made from buckwheat.
The process of making soba is not only technical but also artistic and requires craftsmanship.
It is Japanese culture by itself.
Try the challenge in a Japanese ambience that overlooks the Okhotsk Sea and the Shiretoko mountains!
It will surely be a lifetime memory!MORE -
MAKE YOUR OWN SUSHI
Professional sushi chef will teach you the fundamentals of making sushi
– “nigiri”, “gunkan”, “norimaki” - using fresh local fish.
You’ll also learn the tips to make the westernized sushi rolls.
Fun class with side talks on sushi trivia!MORE
FAQ
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Please make the reservations by 3pm of the previous day.
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The starting times for the sushi and soba activities are basically fixed as shown. However, please don’t hesitate to ask. There’s always a chance.
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I’m very sorry, but I can only accept cash in Japanese yen. I appreciate your understanding.
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No, you don’t need to. The participation fee is only for those who are going to try the experience. If the mother is going to try the experience and afterwards share the food with your children, you only need to pay for one person.
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Please send me an e-mail at info@ahww.jp by 5:00 pm of the previous day. There will be NO cancellation charge at this stage.
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If there should be any cancellations for any reasons on my side, I will let you know by:
(1) e-mailing you at your email address on the Booking Form, and
(2) informing the hotel you are staying at the morning of the activity, and
(3) putting up a general notice on the top page of this web site.
THE STORY OF “FUKI”
This kamon (Japanese crest)-like logo depicts butterbur. When I first came to Hokkaido, the wild so-called fuki in Japanese was what caught my eyes! You’ll find the sprouts in early spring and the green plant throughout summer everywhere - from the wheat fields to concrete highways. There’s an Ainu legend that a dwarf (koro-bokkuru) lives under the gigantic fuki. Fuki is not just a seasonal delicacy that the locals savor. The salted fuki is an indispensible foodstuff in winter when green vegetables are hard to get. Fuki is a culture in itself. While you’re here, I hope you get the chance to see them yourself and also have the yummy experience – tempura sprouts and the stewed or fried stalks!
ABOUT MYSELF
Hi, I’m Junko. I own this Abashiri Hokkaido What-to-do Where-to-go site. I also give the tours. I used to work at an Embassy, a Wall Street company and also at an American licensing company in Tokyo. I came to Abashiri in 2009 to pursue my childhood dream of working at a dairy farm – which I finally did for nearly 10 years.
Brought up in New York and Singapore and with my wide range of business experiences, I hope I can be more than a “guide” to you – someone you can count on during your stay here! If you have any concerns or requests about the tours, please mail me at info@ahww.jp. I’ll try the most to answer to your requests!
- Master of Hokkaido Tourism (Certified by Hokkaido Chamber of Commerce)
- Abashiri Expert Certification (Certified by Abashiri Tourist Association)