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[2025 Edition] 20 recommended driving spots near Abashiri and Okhotsk! Including photogenic spots
The area along the Sea of Okhotsk coast that spreads out in the northeast of Hokkaido is famous for its abundant seafood and drift ice. As the term "Okhotsk Blue" suggests, the clear skies and scenery along the Sea of Okhotsk are characteristic driving spots. This time, we will introduce some attractive driving spots that are unique to the Okhotsk area.
- "Bihoro Pass (Bihoro Town)" - a magnificent panorama that is said to be one of the most beautiful views in the world
- "Kaminokoike Pond (Kiyosato Town)" - a fantastical pond where you can see all the way to the bottom
- The contrast between the red coral grass and the blue sky at Lake Notoro Coral Grass Community (Abashiri City)
- "Fairy Tale Hill (Ozora Town)" - Beautiful rural scenery that changes with the seasons
- A pristine paradise created by five lakes: Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shari Town)
- Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park (Yubetsu Town): A spectacular field of 200 varieties of tulips
- "Mountain Aquarium (Kitami City)" is a rare aquarium in Japan that collects freshwater fish.
- On a nice day, you can enjoy soft serve ice cream outdoors at North Plain Farm Milk Hall (Okoppe Town)
- "Giza (Monbetsu City) - Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center" where you can experience real drift ice all year round
- Observe cute seals up close at Okhotsk Tokkari Center Seal Land (Monbetsu City)
- "Ryuhyo Glass Museum (Abashiri City)" where you can experience glasswork making
- Take a break amidst the rich nature at Toge no Yu Bihoro (Bihoro Town)
- Cape Notoro (Abashiri City) - Enjoy the view of the Sea of Okhotsk
- "Biharashi Hill Rose Garden (Monbetsu City)" where you can encounter roses and various other beautiful flowers
- The oldest museum in Hokkaido: Abashiri City Museum of Local History (Abashiri City)
- Children will love the wooden playground equipment and woodworking experience at Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen (Kitami City)
- "Twin Cherry Blossoms (Tsubetsucho)" which was also the theme of a picture book
- Bihoro Forestry Museum Kiterasu (Bihoro Town) is a facility where parents and children can play with wooden playground equipment.
- "Raiun no Mizu" (Water of Luck) is a spring water with good luck connections.
- Piraoro Observatory (Saroma Town): A place associated with the Ainu people that overlooks Lake Saroma
1. Bihoro Pass (Bihoro Town): A spectacular panorama that is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world
From the Bihoro Pass Observatory at an altitude of 525m, you can see Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, and a magnificent panoramic view of Mount Iou, which still emits smoke, and the Shiretoko mountain range and Daisetsu mountain range in the distance. Due to its beautiful scenery, Bihoro Pass is even touted as the "best view in the world." When the conditions are right, you can see the natural phenomenon of a sea of clouds in the early morning.
■Location: Koume, Bihoro-cho, Abashiri-gun For details and maps of "Bihoro Pass", please click here.
2. Kaminoko Pond (Kiyosato Town): A Mysterious Pond Where You Can See All the Way to the Bottom
There is a legend that "Kaminokoike Pond" was created from the underground water of Lake Mashu (Kamuito = Lake of the Gods), located deep in the mountains of Kiyosato Town. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, and trees are submerged in the blue water like fossils without rotting. The sight of the vermilion-spotted Dolly Varden trout swimming among the trees is so fantastically beautiful that it's like a painting.
■ Business hours: Free to visit *Snow is not removed during the winter. Please be aware that snow may remain until after May. ■Closed: Winter period *Kaminokoike forest road is closed to vehicles ■Location: Kiyoizumi, Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun Click here for details and maps of "Kaminoko Pond"
3. The contrast between the red coral grass and the blue sky at Lake Notoro Coral Grass Community (Abashiri City)
In autumn, parts of Lake Notoro are covered in bright red coral grass, creating a fantastic contrast with the blue of the sky, creating a landscape that is a little different from the autumn leaves. By walking along the wooden boardwalk, you can reach the middle of the coral grass that spreads all over in red.
■ Best time to see: Mid-August to mid-October ■Address: 60-3 Ubaranai, Abashiri City For more information and maps about the "Lake Notoro Coral Grass Community", please click here
4. "Fairy Tale Hill (Ozora Town)" - Beautiful Rural Scenery That Changes with the Seasons
The seven symbolic trees on the hill and the fields that line the hills, which change appearance with each season, create a beautiful rural landscape. The lush green fields in spring, the white potato flowers in summer, the golden color of wheat in autumn, the trees standing in the snow in winter, and the picturesque landscape with the hills that change color with the seasons are popular with photography enthusiasts.
■Closed: Open all year round ■ Location: Showa, Memanbetsu, Ozora Town For more information and maps about "Fairy Tale Hill", please click here
5. Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shari Town): A pristine paradise created by five lakes
Five mystical lakes surrounded by primeval forest. The surrounding forests and the Shiretoko mountain range are reflected on the lake surface, creating a tranquil oasis in the middle of the primeval world. Many plants and wild animals can be seen here. From the observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of Lake No. 1 and the Shiretoko mountain range.
■Opening hours: Ground walkway 8:00-16:30 / Elevated boardwalk 8:00-18:30 ■Location: Tonebetsu Village, Shari Town, Shari District Click here for details and maps of "Shiretoko Five Lakes"
6. Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park (Yubetsu Town): A spectacular field of tulips with 200 varieties
This vast tulip field has a total area of 125,000 square meters, with 70,000 square meters of planted land. Every spring, about 200 varieties of tulips bloom. The tulip fair, which is held every year from early to late May, is a popular flower spot that attracts many visitors.
■Opening hours: Tulip Fair period: May 1st to 31st ■Price: High school students and above 600 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen ■Closed: December to mid-April ■Location: Tonden City, Kamiyubetsu, Yubetsu Town, Monbetsu District For more information and maps about Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, please click here.
7. A rare aquarium in Japan that collects freshwater fish: "Mountain Aquarium (Kitami City)"
This freshwater aquarium has a collection of rare freshwater fish, even across Japan. The sight of schools of Japan's largest freshwater fish, the huchen, swimming among them, is overwhelming. The world's first "Four Seasons of the Northern Land," which freezes over in winter, recreates a natural river in Hokkaido. In addition, you can enjoy innovative exhibition methods that are world class, such as a touch corner where you can interact with underwater creatures and Japan's first "waterfall basin tank" where you can look up at a waterfall basin from below.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:30 *Last admission is 20 minutes before closing ■Closed: April 8th to April 14th, the second Monday to Friday of December, December 31st, January 1st ■Price: Adults 670 yen / Junior high school students 440 yen / Elementary school students 300 yen ■Address: 1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City For details and maps of "Mountain Aquarium -Northern Land Aquarium-", please click here.
8. On a nice day, you can enjoy soft serve ice cream outdoors at North Plain Farm Milk Hall (Okoppe Town)
You can purchase dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and sweets that are made with the utmost care and attention to detail that only a dairy farmer can provide, and they are also available for delivery to other regions, making them perfect souvenirs or gifts. On sunny days, eating soft serve ice cream on the outdoor terrace while looking out at the farm will make for a great memory of your trip.
■ Business hours: 10:00-17:00 *Lunchtime 11:00-14:00 ■Closed: Tuesdays (may be open on public holidays) ■Address: 116-2 Kitako, Okoppe-cho, Monbetsu-gun For details and maps of "North Plain Farm Milk Hall", please click here.
9. Experience real drift ice all year round at the Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA (Monbetsu City)
A science museum with a drift ice theme, located near the Sea of Okhotsk. The severe cold experience room recreates the world of Okhotsk's winter temperatures of minus 20 degrees. In addition to being able to touch the actual drift ice exhibited all year round, ice specimens and frozen soap bubble making are also popular. In the Dome Theater, you can watch impressive images of the four seasons of Okhotsk, including drift ice.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 *Entry to the Science Museum exhibition room is permitted until 30 minutes before closing. ■Closed: Every Monday (except for public holidays), the day after public holidays, December 29th to January 3rd * Open throughout the long holidays, summer vacation, and from January 4th to the end of March ■Price ・Permanent exhibition room: Adults 450 yen / High school and university students 150 yen ・Set fee (permanent exhibition room/dome theater): Adults 750 yen / High school and university students 250 yen *Free for junior high school students and younger and those aged 65 and older *Group rates available ■Address: 11-6 Motomonbetsu, Monbetsu City For details and maps of the Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Science Center GIZA, please click here.
10. Observe cute seals up close at Okhotsk Tokkari Center Seal Land (Monbetsu City)
This is the only facility in Japan that protects and raises dozens of seals, mainly spotted seals, as well as ringed seals and ribbon seals. During feeding time, which is held five times a day, you can see the seals eating and performing charming tricks, and the zookeepers will give you a detailed explanation of the seals' ecology. There are windows in the walls of the breeding pool that allow you to look underwater, so you can also observe the cute seals swimming.
■ Business hours: 10:00-16:00 *Feeding times: 10:30 / 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 15:00 ■Closed: New Year's holiday ■Price: Adults 400 yen / Elementary, middle and high school students 200 yen / Infants free ■Address: 2 Marine Park, Monbetsu City Click here for details and maps of "Okhotsk Tokkari Center Seal Land"
11. Experience glasswork at the Drift Ice Glass Museum (Abashiri City)
This facility combines a glassblowing studio, shop, glass experience, and cafe. You can experience glassblowing and sandblasting using recycled glass made from discarded fluorescent lamps. At the Scenic Cafe "Hoshiiwa" inside the facility, you can enjoy coffee or soda poured into ice floe glassware while looking out at the Sea of Okhotsk and the glassmaking process.
■ Business hours: 10:00-17:00 *Last orders at the cafe are at 16:30 ■Closed days: *Please check the official website ■Fee: Free *Each experience requires a fee ■Address: 2-1 Minami 4-jo Higashi 6-chome, Abashiri City For details and maps of the "Ryuhyo Glass Museum," please click here.
12. Take a break in the midst of lush nature at Toge no Yu Bihoro (Bihoro Town)
Located in a rich natural environment along National Route 243, this hot spring facility features a dome roof. The men's and women's baths, which have different designs, are switched out every day, and it is also equipped with a dry sauna, mist sauna, and cold bath. In addition to bathing, there are facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, such as a lounge and community hall where you can telework or relax, a summer-only RV park, and a space reserved for log houses and rider tents.
■ Business hours: 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:20, bathing until 21:45) ■Closed: 2nd Wednesday of every month (closed the following day if the Wednesday is a public holiday) ■Price: Junior high school students and above 600 yen / 4 years old to elementary school students 300 yen ■Address: 40-1 Miyakobashi, Bihoro-cho, Abashiri-gun For details and maps of "Toge no Yu Bihoro" please click here
13. Cape Notoro (Abashiri City) - Enjoy the view of the Sea of Okhotsk
Cape Notoro, which juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk, has a lighthouse at its tip and is popular for its spectacular views. It is also a famous spot for filming commercials and movies. To the west you can see Lake Notoro and the coast of Tokoro Town, to the north you can see the Sea of Okhotsk, and in the distance to the east you can see the Shiretoko mountain range. It is pitch black at night all year round, so you can see the stars clearly and it is a great spot for photography.
■Location: Misaki, Abashiri City Click here for details and map information on "Notoro Cape"
14. "Biharashi Hill Rose Garden (Monbetsu City)" where you can encounter roses and various other beautiful flowers
The vast garden covers an area of approximately 9,000 square meters. With over 100 varieties of roses and 120 varieties of perennial plants that bloom from summer to autumn, you will feel as if you are visiting an extraordinary place overseas.
■ Best time to see: Spring to Autumn ■ Price: Free ■Address: 4-25-14 Oyamacho, Monbetsu City For details and maps of "Biharashi no Oka Rose Garden", please click here.
15. The oldest museum in Hokkaido: Abashiri City Museum of Local History (Abashiri City)
This museum exhibits items excavated from the Moyoro shell mound, which has a unique cultural form, local materials from when the fishing grounds were established during the Bunka era of the Edo period, and the nature and industry of the Abashiri region. The nearby Katsuragaoka Park is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
■ Business hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 to 17:00 *November to April 9:00 to 16:00 ■Closed on Mondays, public holidays, December 29th to January 3rd ■Price: Adults 120 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 60 yen ■Address: 1-1-3 Katsura-cho, Abashiri City For details and maps of "Abashiri City Local Museum", please click here.
16. Children will love the wooden playground equipment and woodworking experience at Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen (Kitami City)
In addition to a multi-screen displaying real-time tourist information and road conditions, this roadside station also has a rest area and facilities for parents and children to enjoy. At Karakuri Kingdom, which has a restaurant and souvenir shop, you can enjoy delicious ice cream and light meals. At Kamurin no Yakata, there is the Kamurin Shop, which displays and sells local specialties, Kamurin World, where both adults and children can play with wooden play equipment, and the Craft Experience Workshop, where you can try woodworking.
■ Business hours: Roadside station 9:00-17:30 ■Address: 1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City Click here for details and maps of "Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen"
17. "Twin Cherry Blossoms (Tsubetsucho)" - A theme of picture books
Behind the "Tsubetsu Wood Craft Museum Kinos", twin Siberian cherry trees stand on a gentle hill. A picture book themed on this tree has been published by photographer Kazuma Anesaki and poet Shuntaro Tanikawa. Looking at the trees quietly nestled together makes me feel strangely happy.
■Address: 127-2 Kyowa, Tsubestu-cho, Abashiri-gun Click here for details and maps of "Twin Cherry Blossoms"
18. Bihoro Forestry Museum Kiterasu (Bihoro Town): A facility where parents and children can play with wooden playground equipment
This wood-based educational facility uses plenty of wood, and also has a playground for 0-2 year olds and a nursing room, so parents and children can play safely together. There are wooden slides, tunnels, a wooden pool, tricycles, trains, bowling, and more, so children will never get bored.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 ■Closed: December 31st to January 3rd ■ Price: Free ■Address: 2nd floor, JR Bihoro Station, 3-chome, Shinmachi, Bihoro-cho, Abashiri-gun For details and maps of "Bihoro Forestry Museum Kita Terrace", please click here.
19. The lucky spring water "Raiun no Mizu" (Shari Town)
The spring water in Raiun Park is a famous spot known only to those in the know. It is said that snow that accumulated on the beautiful Mount Sharidake has been gushing forth for decades. The auspicious name of the area, "Raiun," means "good luck will come and your wishes will come true," and people come from far and wide to search for this water.
■Location: Raiun, Shari-cho, Shari-gun For more information and maps on "Raiun no Mizu," please click here.
20. Piraoro Observatory (Saroma Town): A place associated with the Ainu people that overlooks Lake Saroma
"Piraoro" means "a place with cliffs" in the Ainu language, and the Piraoro Observatory, named for "a place with cliffs," is located on the lakeside with a good view of Lake Saroma. It is said that Ainu people used to watch out for schools of fish for fishing because of the great view. However, there is also a legend that it was the setting for a tragic love story between a young Ainu man and a young girl.
■Location: Tonobushi, Saroma-cho, Tokoro-gun For details and maps of "Piraoro Observatory", please click here
*All information listed is current as of May 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
