Abashiri


Abashiri is a city located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
Abashiri is known as the site of the Abashiri Prison, a Meiji-era facility used for the incarceration of political prisoners. The old prison has been turned into a museum, but the city's new maximum-security prison is still in use.
As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 40,333 and a density of 85.6 persons per km². The total area is.

History

Abashiri is located in the eastern part of Okhotsk Subprefecture, about 50 kilometers east of Kitami. There are no tall mountains, but there are many hills. The Abashiri River flows through the city and there are three lakes in the city as well. These lakes and Mount Tento belong to Abashiri Quasi-National Park.

Climate

The climate is humid continental with warm summer as much of Hokkaido, similar to the south coast of New England. Despite its reputation for extreme cold, Abashiri is not actually the coldest major town in Japan, being less cold in the winter than Obihiro and warmer in summer than Nemuro or Kushiro. Abashiri receives less precipitation than any other city in Japan because its location on the drift ice-affected Sea of Okhotsk, which, however, causes Abashiri to receive less sunshine than the northeast coast since winter snowfall is heavier and fog less confined to the summer months when the Oyashio Current is strongest. During the winter, when Lake Abashiri freezes over, fog becomes a common occurrence. Also, the harbor closes when it ices over.

Economy

Because of its short 130-day growing season, the crops in the region, such as oats, potatoes, and beans, are required to be hardy. Hay is also grown for local cows, horses, and sheep. The sea is an important part of the community as well as the economy, as fishing, oysters, and seaweed are important means of livelihood.

Transportation

Air

is located in nearby Ōzora.

Rail

Abashiri is an important local port city and railroad terminal.

Universities

, British Columbia, Canada - Each year many students participate in student exchange programs between the two cities.

Sights

Hokkaido has a brewery called Abashiri which sells a range of beers, including Bilk, a blend of beer and milk. Abashiri is also home to a flower garden with a wide range of flowers.
In the winter, tourists visit the city to watch the drift ice.

Museums