❄️ Explore the Winter Magic of Shiretoko & Abashiri: 5 Stunning Instagram Spots in Hokkaido 🌨️🦊
When winter paints Hokkaido in pure white, few places are as captivating as Shiretoko and Abashiri. Located on the northeastern tip of Japan’s northernmost island, these two towns transform into a serene winter wonderland filled with icy beauty, wildlife, and quiet charm.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful snowy escape — away from tourist crowds but full of photo opportunities — here are 5 must-visit winter spots in Shiretoko and Abashiri.
❄️ Why I Love Traveling to Shiretoko & Abashiri in Winter
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❄️ The air is crystal clear
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🏔️ Snowy landscapes look like movie scenes
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♨️ Hot springs feel extra heavenly in the cold
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👣 Fewer tourists = relaxed sightseeing
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🍣 Local food — especially seafood — tastes even better
And the best part? Flights and hotels are cheaper in winter!
📍 Top 5 Winter Photo Spots in Shiretoko & Abashiri
Here’s a curated list of stunning, Instagram-worthy locations that made my winter trip unforgettable:
1. 🍦 Drift Ice Soft Cream @ Scenic Café Boushiiwa (Abashiri)
Only in Abashiri can you enjoy a sky-blue soft cream inspired by the nearby drift ice (ryuhyo). At Scenic Café Boushiiwa, you even get to choose your own handmade glass for drinking water — a unique touch! Enjoy your treat while gazing out over the frozen Sea of Okhotsk.
2. 🚉 Kitahama Station – The Closest Station to the Sea of Okhotsk
Known as Japan’s station “closest to the ocean,” Kitahama Station sits right on the shore of Abashiri’s coastline. In winter, the sea fills with drift ice, turning the view into a frozen dreamscape. If you’re lucky, a wild fox or a friendly local cat might greet you!
3. 🗼 Cape Notoro (能取岬) – Windswept Serenity in Abashiri
This remote cape offers dramatic cliffs and a lonely lighthouse overlooking the sea. In winter, the isolation becomes breathtaking. Cape Notoro has been featured in JAL commercials and the movie The Chef of South Polar. It’s a must-visit for fans of peaceful, cinematic scenery.
4. ☕ CAFE LODGE – Cozy Stop in Snowy Abashiri
Nestled in Abashiri’s “Tenku no Sato” (Sky Village), CAFE LODGE is the perfect blend of outdoor gear shop and cozy café. Whether you’re shopping for rare Hokkaido brands or just want to sip warm coffee by a window of falling snow, this spot is a winter traveler’s delight.
5. 💧 Oshinkoshin Falls – Shiretoko’s Frozen Gem
Located on the road to Shiretoko National Park, this twin-stream waterfall is breathtaking in every season — but especially in winter. Surrounded by snow and silence, Oshinkoshin Falls lives up to its nickname “Twin Beauties Waterfall.” It’s also part of the famous Shiretoko Eight Views.
🧊 Final Thoughts: Why Shiretoko & Abashiri Deserve Your Winter Bucket List
Winter in Hokkaido is more than just cold — it’s peaceful, pristine, and powerful. Shiretoko and Abashiri offer an unforgettable experience for those who love nature, snowy scenery, and quiet escapes.
Whether you’re capturing frozen seascapes or sipping soft cream in subzero temps, you’ll find beauty in every corner of these towns.
So pack your warmest jacket, charge your camera, and let Hokkaido surprise you.
