Abashiri () is a small city on the northern coast of Hokkaido, Japan.
Abashiri is the capital city of Okhotsk Subprefecture. Once unimaginably far in the back of beyond, the name Abashiri used to strike terror into the hearts of suspected lawbreakers: it was the site of Japan's first maximum-security prison, built in 1890 when the enlightened Meiji era leaders decided to copy Western ways instead of simply executing convicted criminals. Enlightenment in this case, however, translated into backbreaking hard labor (mostly road construction) and, for difficult cases like political prisoners, unheated cells in a region where winter temperatures often fall below -20 ° (-4 °F). The prison was finally closed in 1984, though a newly constructed prison continues the tradition.
Today's Abashiri is an unattractive modern town filled with the implements and smells of its largest industry, fishing.
Abashiri is the closest thing in northern Hokkaido to a transport hub.
The nearest airport is Memanbetsu, 16 km south of Abashiri. Buses connect to the train station before and after flights (25 minutes, ¥880).
Abashiri is the terminus of the JR Sekihoku Line (石北本線) from Asahikawa and a junction of the Senmo Line (釧網本線) to Kushiro via Akan National Park.
Four Limited Express trains run daily: Two Okhotsk services to/from Sapporo (5 hr 30 min, ¥9910), and two Taisetsu services to/from Asahikawa (4 hr, ¥7970, change at Asahikawa for Sapporo). There is no charge for these services with the Japan Rail Pass.
Night buses from Sapporo (around ¥8000) are the cheapest way to get to Abashiri. Buses arrive and depart from Abashiri Bus Terminal, a short walk east from JR Abashiri Station.
Abashiri is fairly spread out. A network of buses radiates out from JR Abashiri Station.
Being a fishing port, the thing to eat here is fresh seafood, particularly crab. There's a morning market (網走感動朝市) with great selection.
The best reasons to come to Abashiri are the natural attractions near it.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division