Abashiri Roadside Station - Hokkaido

Abashiri Roadside Station, formally called Road Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri (道の駅 流氷街道網走) is one of the 128 roadside stations in Hokkaido. It is located at 4 Chome-5-1 Minami 3 Johigashi, Abashiri City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Road Station Ryuhyo-kaido Abashiri (道の駅 流氷街道網走)
Abashiri Roadside Station

Abashiri Roadside Station Details

Abashiri Roadside Station registered as roadside station number 105 on December 10, 2008, is a must-visit destination for tourists in Abashiri, Japan. Situated at the mouth of the picturesque Abashiri River, the station offers a breathtaking view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Peninsula. 

Abashiri Roadside Station - Abashiri City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Abashiri Roadside Station - Abashiri City, Hokkaido Prefecture

The station serves as an information hub, providing visitors with valuable insights into local tourism and offering a diverse range of processed agricultural and fishery products.

Abashiri Roadside Station facade
Abashiri Roadside Station facade

道の駅 流氷街道網走
道の駅 流氷街道網走

Abashiri Roadside Station
Abashiri Roadside Station vending machine

Local market
You can buy vegetables at the local market outside the roadside station

Abashiri Roadside Station
Inside the Abashiri Roadside Station 

Abashiri Roadside Station

Abashiri Roadside Station

Abashiri Pokemon manhole cover
Abashiri Pokemon manhole cover

During the winter months, Abashiri Roadside Station becomes the base for drift ice sightseeing. Tourists can embark on the famous drift ice icebreaker "Aurora" from here, experiencing the beauty of moving through frozen landscapes. Alongside this unique experience, Abashiri is home to several other exciting attractions, including the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum and the Abashiri Prison Museum.

Drift ice sightseeing icebreaker “Aurora” ticketing office
Drift ice sightseeing icebreaker “Aurora” ticketing office

帽子岩
Boshiiwa (帽子岩)

帽子岩

Abashiri Roadside Station boasts various facilities to enhance the visitor experience:

Abashiri Tourist Information Office: Considered an "information station," this office acts as a one-stop-shop for all things Abashiri. Whether you're seeking sightseeing recommendations, event updates, gourmet suggestions, or accommodation arrangements, the knowledgeable staff is ready to assist. The adjacent "Information Corner" provides access to local information through computers. During winter, visitors can also receive satellite information about drift ice.

Local Specialty Product Sales Corner

Local Specialty Product Sales Corner

Local Specialty Product Sales Corner
Local Specialty Product Sales Corner

Local Specialty Product Sales Corner: This area mimics a sea of ice floes, offering an array of souvenirs and local specialties from Abashiri. Indulge in Abashiri favorites like Abashiri pudding and cheese. Moreover, you'll find a wide selection of processed agricultural and fishery products, confectionery, roadside station goods, and unique "Aurora" merchandise.

Abashiri Roadside Station
Takeout Corner

Takeout Corner: If you're looking for a quick bite or something to enjoy on the go, the takeout corner is your go-to spot. Discover Abashiri's culinary delights, including dishes prepared with Abashiri yam, Kinjirushi wasabi, pink salmon, and the popular "Abashiri Burger." Indulge in local delicacies like "Abashiri Zangi Manju" and the intriguing "Drift Ice Soft Serve Ice Cream" that captures the essence of Abashiri.

Food Court Kinema-kan (フードコート キネマ館)
Food Court Kinema-kan (フードコート キネマ館)

Food Court Kinema-kan: Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of Showa-era Abashiri in this modern recreation. Relax and recharge while savoring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Exclusive to this corner are gastronomic delights such as the famous "Abashiri Zangi Don," "Abashiri champon," and the flavorful "Drift Ice Curry" inspired by the Sea of Okhotsk's drifting ice.

Sakura Guardian of the North set
Sakura Guardian of the North set

Abashiri Roadside Station
 invites travelers to immerse themselves in Abashiri's rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and delectable cuisine. Whether seeking information, sampling local specialties, or embracing the charm of the region, this roadside station offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Roadside Station

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Roadside Station

My family and I visited Abashiri Roadside Station for the first time last September 19, 2022, the last day of our September 17-19 Road Trip. It was my 322nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was included in our itinerary as my daughter and I collect roadside station stamps for the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. Aside from that, the Abashiri Pokemon Manhole Cover is installed outside the roadside station. “Hunting and collecting” them is also one of our hobbies.

Abashiri Roadside Station Stamp

Abashiri Roadside Station Stamp
Abashiri Roadside Station stamp

Abashiri Roadside Station Stamp

Abashiri Roadside Station fees:

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Abashiri Roadside Station.

Parking is also FREE. However, keep in mind that the parking space here is limited and can fill up quickly during the weekends.

Regardless, please bring money if you want to buy the Abashiri-themed souvenirs or eat at Food Court Kinema-kan (フードコート キネマ館).

Abashiri Roadside Station Operating Hours

Abashiri Roadside Station is open from 9AM to 6PM. If you’re collecting the roadside station stamps, it's important to arrive before the closing time, as you won't be able to obtain the stamp once the station is closed.

Why visit Abashiri Roadside Station?

Abashiri Roadside Station is a good place to rest if you’re driving along Route 1083. The roadside station is also a one-stop shop if you are looking for Abashiri-themed souvenirs or food. The ticketing office for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship is located on the first floor of the station. The Abashiri Pokemon manhole cover is also here.

Getting to Abashiri Roadside Station

 

From Abashiri Station, walk to the Abashiri Station bus stop and ride the bus of the Koshimizu Line operated by the Abashiri bus company. 

Board down at Higashi 3-Chome bus stop and walk for about 400 meters to Abashiri Roadside Station. 

Travel time: 16 minutes
Fare: 210 yen

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