Memanbetsu

Lake Mashu

Abashiri Prison Museum

Drift Ice

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Kotan no Yu Hot Spring

Lake Mashu

The 'Lake of the Gods', Shrouded in Mystery

address

Teshikaga Genya, Teshikaga, Kawakami District (Mashu No. 1 Observatory)

015-482-2200 (Lake Mashu Tourism Association)

Official website　https://www.masyuko.or.jp/

Abashiri Prison Museum

The Historic Role of Abashiri Prison in Hokkaido's Pioneering Era

address

1-1 Yobito, Abashiri

0152-45-2411

Official website　https://www.kangoku.jp/

Observe historical structures designated as Important Cultural Properties

The former buildings of Abashiri Prison are conserved and exhibited to the public at this outdoor history museum. The Abashiri Prison Museum encompasses a total of 25 buildings which have been relocated and restored or reproduced. Of these, eight buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, and six buildings have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties. Visitors can experience these historic prison buildings, which were used during the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1926), and get an up-close look at the remarkable history of Hokkaido's development. Before exploring the museum grounds, we recommend first visiting the Administration Building (an Important Cultural Property) to learn about the remarkable history of prison labor during the development of Hokkaido. The insightful exhibits here will help you enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Experience video simulations of prison labor

The Penological Museum building introduces the lifestyle and work of the prisoners while these historical buildings were in service. The main exhibit, entitled 'Prison Experience Theatre', features realistic video footage that will whisk you back in time and allow you to experience the harsh lifestyle of prison labor, right before your eyes. Lasting seven minutes and offered in five languages, this presentation will help you understand the severity of the conditions that the inmates faced in their daily lives.

Try 'Prison Meals' at the Kangoku Cafeteria

During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to try the 'Prison Meals', which faithfully replicate the lunches currently served to current inmates of Abashiri Prison. Each meal includes a bowl of steamed blended rice (seven parts rice to three parts barley), miso soup, roasted fish, and vegetables. For the roasted fish, choose between pacific saury or Okhotsk atka mackerel. These nutritionally-balanced and healthful meals are highly acclaimed by museum visitors. Other menu options include 'Prison Curry' and 'Abashiri Zangi-don', a local speciality of deep-fried pink salmon atop a bowl of rice.

Drift Ice

Iconic Hokkaido Ice-Covered Seas

address

Okhotsk Coast near Abashiri and Mombetsu

0152-44-5849 (Abashiri Tourism Association)

0158-24-3900 (Mombetsu Tourist Information Center)

Official website

https://www.abakanko.jp/ (Abashiri Tourism Association)

https://tic.mombetsu.net/ (Mombetsu Tourist Information Center)

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Explore the Great Nature of Shiretoko, a World Heritage

address

Iwaobetsu, Shari, Shari District (Shiretoko Goko Field House)

0152-24-3323 (Shiretoko Goko Field House)

Official website　https://www.goko.go.jp/

Wildlife habitats amidst nature untouched by human hands

The Shiretoko Goko Lakes are five lakes of various sizes nestled amidst virgin forests, backed by the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Every year, many visitors come to the Goko Lakes to enjoy the magnificent scene of untouched nature reflecting in the laketops. This abundant nature includes habitats of a great variety of wildlife, offering memorable opportunities to observe traces of species such as the brown bear and the black woodpecker. The lakes are named Ichiko, Niko, Sanko, Yonko, and Goko, representing the numbers one through five. Of these, Lake Ichiko is always easily accessible during the season.

The 'Elevated Wooden Path', a safe and easy route

The 'Elevated Wooden Path' is recommended for visitors who would like to easily experience the wonders of Shiretoko's vibrant nature. This walking trail (800 m one way) can be used free of charge throughout the season. The elevated wooden path is also surrounded by electric fences to prevent brown bears from entering, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free walk. With no steps and only mild slopes, this route is also wheelchair accessible. The elevated wooden path provides access as far as Lake Ichiko. Please note that connection is not allowed to the ground pathway, which goes beyond Lake Ichiko.

The 'Ground Pathway', for the full Shiretoko nature experience

The 'Ground Pathway' is recommended for visitors who would like to experience natural wildlife habitats up close. For the full experience, challenge the long route (3 km circuit), which visits each of the five lakes. For an easier option, the short route (1.6 km circuit) visits Lake Ichiko and Lake Niko. For either route, during certain seasons, a lecture must be taken before departing, or visitors may only be allowed when led by a registered guide. Occasionally, trails may be closed entirely due to brown bear activity, so please be certain to check the website in advance.

Kotan no Yu Hot Spring

Share a Bath with the Swans in this Rarest of Secluded Hot Springs

address

Kotan, Kussharo, Teshikaga, Kawakami District

015-482-2200 (Lake Mashu Tourism Association)

Official website　https://www.masyuko.or.jp/

Video Gallery

These are some of the destinations in Hokkaido served by AIRDO.
Watch some videos that showcase their appeal.

　A Trip for Enjoying Flowers

　A Trip for Admiring the Moon

　A Trip in Pursuit of Light

　A Trip with an Ocean View

YouTube Channel

Memanbetsu

Lake Mashu

Mashu Blue, as far as the eye can see...

June and July are fog season

Explore three observatories to enjoy different aspects

Abashiri Prison Museum

Observe historical structures designated as Important Cultural Properties

Experience video simulations of prison labor

Try 'Prison Meals' at the Kangoku Cafeteria

Drift Ice

One of Eastern Hokkaido's classic winter scenes

Clione, the drift ice angels

Unique activities to experience the wonders of drift ice up close

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Wildlife habitats amidst nature untouched by human hands

The 'Elevated Wooden Path', a safe and easy route

The 'Ground Pathway', for the full Shiretoko nature experience

Kotan no Yu Hot Spring

A truly rustic open-air, mixed-bathing hot spring

The incredible sensation of sharing a bath with swans

On clear days, beautiful scenery awaits after sunset

Video Gallery

Book a Flight

Lake Mashu

Mashu Blue, as far as the eye can see...

June and July are fog season

Explore three observatories to enjoy different aspects

Abashiri Prison Museum

Observe historical structures designated as Important Cultural Properties

Experience video simulations of prison labor

Try 'Prison Meals' at the Kangoku Cafeteria

Drift Ice

One of Eastern Hokkaido's classic winter scenes

Clione, the drift ice angels

Unique activities to experience the wonders of drift ice up close

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Wildlife habitats amidst nature untouched by human hands

The 'Elevated Wooden Path', a safe and easy route

The 'Ground Pathway', for the full Shiretoko nature experience

Kotan no Yu Hot Spring

A truly rustic open-air, mixed-bathing hot spring

The incredible sensation of sharing a bath with swans

On clear days, beautiful scenery awaits after sunset

Video Gallery

Book a Flight

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