9 amazing ways to experience the four seasons of Mombetsu
From drift ice to vibrant nature, discover all that the northern city has to offer

The highlight of winter in Mombetsu is drift ice watching. Drift ice and the icebreaker sightseeing ship Garinko are registered as part of the Hokkaido Heritage. Experience the ship’s astonishing power as it breaks through the ice and sails through the silvery seascape. (The timing of drift ice sightings may vary depending on weather conditions.) You can also meet adorable seals at Tokkari Center, the only seal conservation facility in Japan with many domestic and overseas fans. Don’t forget to visit the Okhotsk Tower, the northernmost underwater observation tower in Japan, to enjoy the wondrous view!
(Provided by: Okhotsk Garinko Tower Co.,Ltd.)

Lake Saroma is the third largest brackish lake in Japan. Take in the spectacular panoramic view of the entire lake from the Lake Saroma Observatory, located near the 376-meter-high summit of Mount Horoiwa. As waters from the Sea of Okhotsk flow into the lake, the mineral-rich water makes it ideal for farming scallops and oysters, known for their quality flavor. Enjoy this local specialty fresh at the surrounding restaurants.
(Provided by: Saloma Tourism Association Specified Non-Profit Corporation)

This unique science museum allows visitors to see, touch, and experience various exhibits specializing in drift ice. Step into the Severe Cold Experience Room and experience a world of minus 20 degrees Celsius, where you can touch real drift ice all year round. Other popular attractions include the Drift Ice Aquarium, in which sea creatures from the Sea of Okhotsk are trapped in transparent ice, and the frozen soap bubble experience. You might even encounter the adorable clione, widely known as “drift ice angels.”
(Provided by: Okhotsk Sea Ice Museaum of Hokkaido GIZA)

Take in the spectacular view of the sprawling hill covered in pink moss phlox in the Shibazakura Takinoue Park in Takinoue Town, Hokkaido. The blossoms are at their peak around mid-May when their sweet fragrance fills the town. The hills overlook Takinoue Kinsenkyo Gorge, known for its amazing natural scenery in every season and recognized as one of Hokkaido’s best 100 scenic spots. At the nearby Kaori no Sato Herb Garden, enjoy the aroma of numerous flowers and plants, including around 300 types of herbs.
(Provided by: Takinoue Tourist Association)

Admire the vibrant field of 700,000 tulips of around 200 varieties blooming across the spacious Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park in Yubetsu Town, Hokkaido. Mid- to late May is the best time to see the blossoms in full glory and when many people come to appreciate the impressive scenery. From the observatory shaped like a Dutch windmill, enjoy a sweeping view of the entire park and beyond. Why not hop on the electric circuit bus Cupid for a leisurely tour around the park?
(Provided by: Yubetsutown Tourism Association)

The lavender fields in Okhotsk Sea Ice Park showcase approximately 12,000 lavender plants of four varieties against the backdrop of the Sea of Okhotsk. The lavenders begin to color in late June and reach their peak in July, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful contrast against the blue sea along with their pleasant fragrance. Try the tasty soft serve ice cream at the cafe inside the Flower Salon. Children will be thrilled with the indoor and outdoor play areas dotted around the expansive grounds, which stretch approximately 3 kilometers wide.
(Provided by: Okhotsk Sea Ice Park)

From late August to late September, around 10 million cosmos flowers bloom in the 10-hectare garden in the Rainbow Square (Niji-no-Hiroba) of the vast Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park, aptly named for its sunny hillside location. Visit the nearby roadside station Michi-no-Eki Engaru Mori no Okhotsk for information on fun outdoor activities to tackle in the Okhotsk forest during the green season, such as ziplines and tree trekking. The winter season offers a variety of fun activities, including skiing!
(Provided by: Engaru Tourism Association)

Lake Komuke is a brackish lake adjacent to the Sea of Okhotsk. Komuke means “curved” in the local Ainu language, and as the name implies, the lake has a long, narrow and complex shape. In the summer, alpine plants such as rugosa roses and cowberry bloom, and in autumn, coral grass colonies cover the grounds like a bright red carpet. The area is also a popular bird watching spot with around 180 wild bird species visiting annually, including whooper swans and white-tailed eagles.
(Provided by: Mombetsu Tourism Promotion Corporation)

Located on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, Mombetsu offers a rich variety of fresh seafood nurtured by the sea of drift ice, including hairy crab, snow crab and red king crab, as well as scallops, salmon and flounder. At night, join the lively atmosphere of the nostalgic Hamanasu Street for delectable local foods, drinks and karaoke.
(Provided by: Mombetsu Tourism Promotion Corporation)