Abashiri | The Ultimate Winter Nature Day: Drift Ice, Icefalls, Eagles & Smelt Fishing 070
Itinerary Details
A Complete Day in Abashiri’s Winter Wilderness
If you have just one day to experience Abashiri in winter, this all-in-one adventure brings together four of the region’s most memorable seasonal highlights. Travel with a local nature guide to explore a frozen icefall and drift ice coastline by snowshoe, search for majestic Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, and finish the day with smelt fishing on Lake Abashiri, including freshly fried tempura made from your catch.
Four Winter Experiences, One Unforgettable Day
What makes this experience special is the variety of winter encounters packed into a single day. Follow a local nature guide to hidden wildlife viewing spots, explore snow-covered landscapes on snowshoes, get close to drift ice when conditions allow, and try your hand at smelt fishing even if you have never fished before. With equipment and guidance provided, you can experience Abashiri’s winter nature without arranging separate activities.
Itinerary
Morning | Icefalls & Drift Ice by Snowshoe
Meet Your Guide & Begin Your Winter Adventure
Meet your guide at your accommodation or another designated pickup location in Abashiri. The pickup time may vary depending on your meeting point. From there, travel by vehicle to the starting point of the morning snowshoe adventure.
Snowshoe to a Frozen Icefall & Drift Ice Coast
Put on your snowshoes and set out through the winter landscape. Walk approximately 2–3 km over around 2.5 hours, exploring a seasonal icefall and the snow-covered coastline where drift ice may appear. Depending on weather and natural conditions, the route and walking distance may vary.
Afternoon | Eagles & Lake Abashiri
Take a break for lunch in central Abashiri. You can choose a restaurant of your preference at your own expense, or ask your guide for a local recommendation before continuing the afternoon activities.
Search for Steller’s Sea Eagles & White-Tailed Eagles
Travel with your nature guide by vehicle to search for some of Hokkaido’s most impressive winter raptors. Your guide will visit suitable observation areas and provide binoculars or a spotting scope when available. Spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the area and watching for Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles in their natural environment.
Late Afternoon | Smelt Fishing & Fresh Tempura
After a short restroom break, head to Lake Abashiri for approximately 100 minutes of smelt fishing. No previous fishing experience is required, and your guide will show you how to get started. Once you’ve caught your smelt, enjoy your fresh catch prepared as hot, crispy tempura.
Around 4:20 PM | Return & Drop-Off
After completing the day’s activities, return to Abashiri. You can be dropped off at your accommodation, Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri, JR Abashiri Station, or another designated location. The order of activities may be changed depending on conditions.
Important Information & Cancellation Policy
Important
Information &
Cancellation Policy
Free Shuttle Service
- Pickup and drop-off are available at accommodations in Abashiri city, JR Abashiri Station, and the Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri ferry terminal area.
- The service area includes Michi-no-Eki Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri, JR Abashiri Station, Lakeside Hotel Abashiri, hotels around JR Abashiri Station, and hotels in central Abashiri.
- Pickup and drop-off are not available in some areas, including Abashiri-Uhara, Kitahama, Masuura, and Memanbetsu Airport.
- If your accommodation is outside the service area, you may be asked to meet at Abashiri Station, the bus terminal, JR Abashiri Station, or another designated location.
- If you have large luggage, please inform us when making your reservation, as space on the shuttle vehicle may be limited.
Participation Requirements
- Age: 12–70 years old
- Snowshoeing: The morning hike involves approximately 2–3 km of walking, including uphill and downhill sections. Some sections cannot be turned back from once entered.
- You cannot participate if you:
- Cannot comfortably complete a 3 km snowshoe walk
- Cannot walk or climb vehicle steps without assistance
- Weigh over 100 kg
- Have significant balance difficulties or a strong fear of heights
- Are pregnant
- Have consumed alcohol on the day of the tour
- Natural conditions: Icefalls may partially collapse depending on the season, and drift ice may not be present on the day of the tour.
Optional Rental
- Winter clothing rental: ¥500 per item
- Long boot rental: ¥300 per pair
- Boots for this tour: Free
Important Notes
- Natural conditions: Drift ice and icefalls are natural phenomena, and their presence and condition cannot be guaranteed. The icefall may partially collapse depending on the season, and drift ice may not reach the shore on the day of the tour.
- Weather and safety: The itinerary may be changed or cancelled depending on weather, road conditions, or other safety considerations.
- Reservation confirmation: Submitting a reservation form is only an application and does not guarantee immediate confirmation. Availability is subject to change, and the operator will confirm whether a guide can be arranged by email within approximately 3 days.
- Shuttle service: Pickup and drop-off are available only within designated areas. Please contact the operator in advance if you are staying outside the service area or traveling with large luggage.
Cancellation Policy
- 7–4 days before departure: 20%
- 3 days before departure to the day before departure: 50%
- On the day of departure: 100%
- No cancellation fee will be charged if the tour cannot be completed within the scheduled time due to traffic disruptions, or if the tour is cancelled in advance by the operator due to severe weather.
