Lake Abashiri
網走湖
A brackish lake south of Abashiri city. In winter, after it freezes, you can try ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt), and Tenmozan offers a view of the entire lake.
Lake Abashiri is a brackish lake connected to the Abashiri River, rich in wakasagi (smelt) and freshwater clams. From mid-January to early March, the lake is frozen over. In the Yobito area, you can try ice fishing for smelt, with tents and fishing gear available for rent. The smelt you catch can be deep-fried into tempura on the spot. In summer, the lakeside has a campground and the Memanbetsu wetland plant community. The drift-ice museum’s observation deck on Tenmozan offers a panoramic view of the whole lake. The northern end of the lake is about 10 minutes by car from Abashiri Station. Note: Ice activities must take place within designated areas and will be halted if ice conditions are poor.
Opening hours
Open all day; ice fishing approx. mid-January–early March
Nearby sights
- Abashiri Prison Museum
- Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
- Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
- Lake Notoro Coral Grass (Uparanai)
- Moyoro Shell Mound Museum
- Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
- Cape Notoro
- Kitahama Station