Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
On the fourth day of my five-day solo journey through Abashiri and Shiretoko, I hopped on a bus back to Abashiri Station for the final adventure of my trip: Lake Abashiri Lake Smelt Fishing! I had been looking forward to this for a long time. At first, I was a little worried about getting there without a rental car, but to my surprise, everything went smoother than expected.
In this article, I will share the full experience of ice fishing on Lake Abashiri, including detailed access information, the step-by-step process, and a few personal tips. I hope this guide helps you plan your own winter getaway to Hokkaido!
What’s the Ice Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri Like?
The Lake Abashiri smelt ice fishing experience (網走湖ワカサギ釣り) is a unique winter activity that combines the natural beauty of the region with a bit of local history.
Historically, this lake was a traditional fishing ground for the Ainu people. While modern ice fishing methods weren’t used back then, catching smelt in the winter was already a part of local life. Today, thanks to its abundant aquatic life and reliably frozen surface, Lake Abashiri has become one of the most popular ice fishing spots in Hokkaido.
Drilling a hole in the frozen lake, casting your line, and fishing while surrounded by snow-covered scenery and the stillness of winter, this peaceful atmosphere is one of the main reasons travelers come to Abashiri.
And the best part? This activity isn’t just for seasoned anglers. Even total beginners like me, who had never fished before, can easily join in. You can even have your freshly caught smelt deep-fried into crispy tempura on the spot, making it not just a fishing activity but a delicious Hokkaido winter food experience too.
How to Join a Smelt Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri
There are two main ways to enjoy this event, giving you flexibility depending on how you prefer to travel.
For independent travelers, the easiest option is to join the official ice fishing event hosted by the Abashiri Tourism Association. It’s perfect for beginners like me, everything is set up for you, with designated fishing areas and staff on-site to help you get started. All you need to do is show up at the venue and register. It’s incredibly convenient!
If you’re looking for a more private, customized experience, some local guides also offer fishing tours. However, these are not yet widely listed on major travel platforms, so it’s best to check with local tour agencies or browse Japanese websites if you’re comfortable with the language.
Whichever method you choose, ice fishing on Lake Abashiri is sure to be a fun and unforgettable part of your trip.
I made a Instagram reel about this experience, please check it out!
What Makes Ice Fishing at Lake Abashiri Special?
One of the most special things about it, is that it’s a limited-time, winter-only experience, you get to fish on a fully frozen lake!
It’s truly rare to walk and fish atop a vast frozen lake covered in snow, with nature all around you in peaceful silence. The ice fishing season typically runs from late January to mid-March, depending on the weather and ice thickness. The lake needs to be completely frozen with a thick enough layer of ice to ensure safety.
The exact opening dates may vary each year, so I recommend checking the Abashiri Tourism Association’s official website before your visit to see if the season has started. If your trip timing is right, this could become one of your most unforgettable travel memories.
Abundant Smelt, Perfect for Tempura!
Ice fishing on Lake Abashiri isn’t just a fun activity, it’s like a winter fishing festival.
Each year, the lake is filled with a stable, plentiful population of smelt (wakasagi), making it a hotspot for local anglers and tourists alike. These tiny fish range from about 5 to 15 cm in length and are known for their delicate, tender texture, perfect for deep-fried tempura, grilling, or other simple preparations.
Catching a fresh smelt and having it fried into golden, crispy tempura on the spot is one of winter’s greatest pleasures! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, Lake Abashiri offers the chance to enjoy this seasonal delicacy at its freshest. And with so many visitors gathering here each winter, it becomes a fun, social experience, everyone fishing, sharing stories, and eating freshly fried smelt together.
No Gear Needed, Freshly Fried Smelt on the Spot
Another great thing about ice fishing at Lake Abashiri is the well-equipped rental system, making it easy and accessible for everyone, even beginners or families with kids. There’s no need to bring your own gear or make a reservation, and you can rent everything on-site, from tents to fishing gear and heaters.
Even better, you can cook your freshly caught smelt right there, yes, you can DIY your own crispy tempura! It’s the ultimate “catch and cook” experience.
Most popular rental option: Ice Fishing Gear Set (8:00 AM–3:30 PM)
Ice Fishing Set: Adults ¥2,200 (approx. $15.40) / Elementary School Students ¥1,750 (approx. $12.25)
(Includes participation fee, rod rental, bait setup, bait, ice hole drilling, and chair rental)
This is a nearly all-inclusive plan, except for the tent and tempura cooking kit.
If you prefer a shorter or simpler experience, you can skip some items to save money. For example
・You can skip the chair if you don’t plan to stay long.
・If you know how to hook bait yourself, you can avoid the bait setup fee.
・If you’re sharing the experience with friends or family, you don’t need to rent a full set for everyone, taking turns works just fine!
A la carte rental prices:
・Fishing Participation Fee: ¥900 for adults (approx. $6.30) / ¥450 for elementary school students (required) (approx. $3.15)
・Rod Rental: ¥250 (approx. $1.75)(required)
・Bait Setup Fee: ¥400 (approx. $2.80) (optional)
・Bait: ¥250 (approx. $1.75) (required)
・Ice Hole Drilling Fee: ¥350 (approx. $2.45) (required)
・Chair Rental: ¥100 (approx. $0.70) (optional)
Tent Rental (8:00 AM–3:30 PM):
・2-person tent: ¥2,000 (approx. $14.00)
・3-person tent: ¥3,000 (approx. $21.00)
・4-person tent: ¥4,000 (approx. $28.00)
Want to fry your catch? Try the DIY Tempura Kit – ¥1,000 (approx. $7.00)
Includes a frying pan, oil, tempura flour, chopsticks, plates, and a portable induction cooktop. One kit per group is enough, so it’s more cost-effective if you go with friends.
Pair It with the Drift Ice Cruise for the Ultimate Winter Itinerary
One of the best things about this experience is that it pairs perfectly with the iconic drift ice tours in the Sea of Okhotsk, and you can even combine it with a trip to World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko!
Before or after fishing, you can board the famous Aurora Icebreaker Cruise right in Abashiri. Or if you’re heading to Monbetsu, hop on the Garinko Icebreaker. Then continue on to Shiretoko to experience the drift ice walk, nature exploration, or snowshoeing.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure in Hokkaido!
Klook.comRelated Tickets & Experiences:
Aurora Icebreaker Cruise (Abashiri) [KKday] | [Klook]
Garinko Icebreaker Cruise (Monbetsu) [Klook]
Shiretoko Drift Ice Walk [Klook] | [Japan Activity]
Private One-Day Tour in Abashiri & Shiretoko [KKday]
How to Get to the Lake Abashiri Ice Fishing Site
Official Lake Abashiri Ice Fishing Site Location
The ice fishing site is very easy to access, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Abashiri, just a short distance from the city center. If you’re driving, it’s a smooth and scenic ride with plenty of winter views.
If you’re taking public transport, you’ll need to plan ahead, as bus services can be limited. Be sure to check the schedule in advance to align your travel times with fishing hours.
Lake Abashiri Smelt Ice Fishing (網走わかさぎ釣り)
Season: January to mid-March (dates may vary depending on ice conditions, check the official website)
Location: Yobito, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2421（Google Maps）
Total Cost Example: On my solo trip, the total cost was ¥3,200
Access:
Take the Memanbetsu Airport Line Bus to “Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae” stop, then walk 8–10 minutes to the site
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (Last tempura DIY experience: until 2:30 PM)
Reservation: Not required
Payment: Cash only
Getting There by Bus
If you’re coming from Memanbetsu Airport or Abashiri City, take the Memanbetsu Airport Line Bus and get off at “Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae.” From there, it’s about an 8 to 10-minute walk to the fishing site.
Important: The Shiretoko Airport Liner does not stop at the fishing site.
Driving to the Ice Fishing Site
If you’re planning to drive to the Lake Abashiri ice fishing site, it’s definitely more convenient than taking the bus. You won’t need to worry about bus schedules or miss the last ride back to the city.
There is a main parking lot at the venue, but due to its popularity, parking spaces are limited. If it gets crowded, you may be redirected to the second parking lot, located a short 5-minute walk from the venue. This arrangement is still quite convenient and allows for more flexibility in planning your schedule.
If you’re unsure how to rent a car in Japan, I recommend Tabirai, Rentalcars, and Klook, all of which offer Chinese or English website support.
Rentalcars.com guarantees the lowest rental prices, while Tabirai partners with more rental companies. Klook is convenient for booking. Sometimes, if Rentalcars has no available cars, you may find options on Tabirai or Klook. Comparing different platforms can help you find the best deal!
💡Quick Tip: If you’re not seeing any available cars when searching, it might be because you’re trying to book outside of business hours. Try adjusting your pickup or drop-off time! (Most rental car companies in Japan operate between 8:00 or 9:00 AM and 7:00 or 8:00 PM.)
My Ice Fishing Experience
Arriving by Bus
After wrapping up my time in Shiretoko, I caught a bus back to Abashiri Station at 9:30 AM to start my next winter activity: smelt fishing on Lake Abashiri!
(I originally considered transferring to the Ryuhyo Monogatari train at Shari Station, but decided against it, too many people and the transfer time would cut into my fishing plans.)
The day’s schedule worked out beautifully. I arrived at Abashiri Station around 11:40 AM, dropped my luggage at the Toyoko INN where I was staying, took a short break, and then headed out for the lake.
From the hotel, I walked over to the Abashiri Station Front Bus Stop (網走駅前), conveniently located just across from a Sukiya (すき家) restaurant. There, I caught the 12:20 PM bus bound for the Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae (網走観光ホテル前) stop.
I hadn’t checked the bus schedule in advance and was just going with the flow, thinking the main goal for the day was fishing anyway. But to my surprise, the timing lined up perfectly, no long waits at all!
One unexpected detail: although this bus line doesn’t accept IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, you can pay using PayPay or Alipay. For travelers like me who prefer not to carry coins, this was super convenient! If you don’t use digital payment, make sure to bring cash to cover your fare.
Walking from the Bus Stop to the Ice Fishing Venue
As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by a stunning white winter landscape. The frozen lake was blanketed in thick snow, creating a wide, silver expanse that perfectly captured the spirit of a Hokkaido winter.
I noticed a few tourists standing on the bridge overlooking the lake, not fishing, just admiring the dreamy, snowy scenery.
From Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae, it’s about an 8–10 minute walk to the fishing site. Along the way, you’ll find clear signage, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost, just follow the arrows and you’ll arrive with no trouble.
There’s a proper sidewalk along the route, making the walk relatively safe. However, since snow and ice still cover the ground, it’s important to watch your step. I highly recommend bringing anti-slip cleats or spikes for your shoes to prevent slipping and help you walk with confidence.
After walking a short distance through the snowy path, I finally saw the big entrance sign for the ice fishing site. That’s when you know you’ve made it!
This sign also serves as a helpful landmark for those arriving by car, once you spot it, just turn into the entrance, and you’ll reach the venue without a problem.
Registering for the Ice Fishing Set at the Booth
To join the smelt fishing experience, the first step is to register and pay at the booth. There’s a big, clear price list displayed right on the counter, which makes it easy for travelers to check the costs. (You can scroll back up for the detailed price chart!)
Since it was my very first time fishing, I decided to go with the full ice fishing set plan for ¥2,200 (approx. $15.40).
This set includes:
Fishing participation fee
Rod rental
Bait setup
Extra bait
Ice hole drilling
Chair rental
Perfect for first-timers with no prior fishing experience!
If you already have fishing experience and are comfortable hooking the bait yourself, drilling your own hole, or just want to try it out briefly, you could opt for a simpler à la carte combo:
Participation fee ¥900 (approx. $6.30)
Rod rental ¥250 (approx. $1.75)
Bait ¥250 (approx. $1.75)
Ice hole drilling ¥350 (approx. $2.45)
This might save you a bit of money depending on how long you plan to stay.
If you’re worried about the cold, tents designed for ice fishing are also available for rent. However, they’re super popular, by the time I arrived, they were already all taken! If you’re traveling with kids or family, I recommend getting there early, or at least being prepared for the possibility that tents may be fully booked.
Luckily, I had dressed warmly enough, so even without a tent, I was fine. I definitely recommend wearing multiple layers, especially windproof and waterproof snow gear, so you can enjoy ice fishing comfortably even in the open air.
After paying, one of the friendly staff members led us out to the fishing holes that had already been drilled in the frozen lake. Time to start my ice fishing adventure!
First Ice Fishing Experience on a Frozen Lake
Sitting on a little rental chair out on the frozen surface of the lake, I was ridiculously excited for my first-ever fishing experience! You can probably tell from my face in the photos, my reaction when the first fish bit the hook was pure joy (lol).
Because I had prepared well with proper winter gear, the cold wasn’t bad at all. The only moment I really felt it was when handling the bait or fishing line with bare hands, but as long as you’re dressed appropriately, it’s a fun and surprisingly comfortable winter activity.
The temperature that day was around -3°C (about 26°F), which sounds freezing, but with the right layers, it honestly felt fine! This ice fishing experience really showed me that outdoor activities in Hokkaido winter can be enjoyable as long as you’re well-prepared.
I managed to catch my very first smelt! I was honestly a bit nervous about not catching anything at all, but it turned out to be easier than I expected.
At first, I was experimenting with the fishing technique, like how long to let the line down, whether or not I needed to jiggle it. I assumed the lake was deep and let the line down all the way, but the sinker (that little orange weight you see in the photo) hit the bottom right away. That’s when I realized the lake wasn’t that deep after all.
Eventually
I learned that most fish were swimming mid-level, not right at the bottom. Once I adjusted the line to keep the bait at the right depth, not too deep, not too shallow, the bites started coming more frequently, and I began getting the hang of it.
If you choose the full set, the staff will bait your hook for you at the beginning, so you can start fishing right away. But once the fish start biting and eat the bait, you’ll have to rebait it yourself.
The bait is a small bag of live mealworms (I think? Fishing pros, feel free to correct me ><), and yes, you do have to touch the worms with your fingers to hook them. For someone like me who’s never fished before, it was a little gross at first…
But! To keep fishing, I had no choice but to confront my fear and just do it. And I did it! Worm successfully hooked!
Sometimes during solo travel, you’re faced with small but unfamiliar challenges. And when there’s no friend or boyfriend around to help, you just have to step up and get through it yourself. That sense of small accomplishment? It’s one of the things I love most about solo adventures.
My Wakasagi Smelt Catch
By the end of the experience, in under an hour, I had caught five wakasagi smelt! I have no idea if that’s considered a good number, but for a total newbie like me, it felt like a huge win!
From the start, my goal wasn’t to catch a ton of fish, I just wanted to enjoy the experience. I even set a personal goal of “five fish and I’m done”, figuring that would be more than enough.
Also, the kitchen for tempura cooking closes at 2:30 PM, so I started fishing around 1:10 PM and reeled in my line by 2:00 PM sharp. After that, I cleaned and returned the rental gear, and then… excitedly headed over to fry up my fresh catch as crispy golden tempura!
Picking Up the Tempura DIY Kit
The fishing experience wasn’t over just yet, because the most exciting part was still to come: eating the fish I caught myself!
To turn your catch into delicious tempura, you’ll need to rent a Tempura DIY Kit for ¥1,000 (approx. $7.00). Usually, one kit is enough per group.
The process is simple:
1. Hand over your catch at the registration counter and pay for the kit.
2. You’ll receive a number card, which acts as your order ticket when it’s time to fry.
3. Head to the small wooden hut next door and wait for your number to be called.
The staff will coat your fish with tempura flour and deliver your cooking set to the hut. Once your number is called, it’s time to fry your smelt! The anticipation of eating fish you just caught? Unmatched.
After receiving the number card, a staff member brought over our cooking set, neatly arranged and ready for use! 🍤✨
The Tempura Kit includes:
・A disposable paper plate (for your finished tempura)
・Oil-absorbing paper (to keep it crispy, not greasy)
・Disposable chopsticks (for frying & eating)
・Salt (a simple seasoning to bring out the natural sweetness of the fish)
・An extension cord (for the induction stove)
It’s super easy! Just wait for the oil to heat up, then gently place the fish into the pot and watch it fry to golden perfection.
Tasting My Very Own Wakasagi Tempura
Once the oil heated up, I carefully placed the freshly caught fish into the pan. It felt a little emotional, these were the exact fish I had caught with my own hands, and now they were about to become tempura!
But I jumped the gun.
I was too eager, and forgot to wait for the oil to get hot enough. When I dropped the first fish in, there was no sizzling sound, just silence. I stared at it, confused.
That’s when a kind Japanese mother nearby smiled and said, “You’re too early~”
Cue embarrassed laugh, and I quickly scooped the fish out haha.
I waited patiently
watching for steam to rise. I tested the oil with a flour-dipped chopstick, and once the bubbles formed, it was finally time to try again. One by one, I dropped the remaining fish in, this time with a satisfying sizzle. The batter turned a beautiful golden color. It felt like a tiny moment of triumph, the final step of my Hokkaido winter adventure was about to succeed.
And finally, the moment I had been waiting for, my crispy, golden wakasagi smelt tempura was ready!
Caught it. Fried it. Ate it. A true lake-to-table experience.
At first, I hesitated. These fish are tiny, can I really eat the whole thing? Head, tail, bones and all?
But after watching some nearby locals munch away without hesitation, I gave it a try, from head to tail. And wow, it was amazing.
The outside was perfectly crispy, and the inside was juicy, tender, and not at all fishy. Even the head and tail were light and crunchy, no tough bits at all. I devoured all five fish in no time and immediately thought,
“I should’ve caught more!”
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for another round 😆
Taking the Bus Back to the City
Even after the ice fishing was over, I was still smiling, savoring the memory of those delicious little fish I’d just fried and eaten.
Then I glanced at the time, the next bus was at 14:34.
If I missed it, I’d either have to walk a long way to the train station or wait until 17:19 for the next bus.
So I quickly packed up and hurried back to Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae bus stop, and made it just in time.
Sitting on the bus, looking out at the snowy lake shimmering in the afternoon sun, I replayed everything in my mind:
my first-ever ice fishing, the unexpected joy of catching fish, the challenge of touching live bait, and the pure satisfaction of eating something I’d caught and cooked myself.
Totally worth it.
Lake Abashiri Smelt Ice Fishing (網走わかさぎ釣り)
Season: January to mid-March (dates may vary depending on ice conditions, check the official website)
Location: Yobito, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2421（Google Maps）
Total Cost Example: On my solo trip, the total cost was ¥3,200
Access:
Take the Memanbetsu Airport Line Bus to “Abashiri Kanko Hotel-mae” stop, then walk 8–10 minutes to the site
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (Last tempura DIY experience: until 2:30 PM)
Reservation: Not required
Payment: Cash only
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling with family or going solo like me, Lake Abashiri’s ice fishing experience is perfect for all kinds of travelers.
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, don’t miss this unique winter adventure. It adds something truly special to your itinerary, one you’ll remember long after the snow has melted
This has been Tsubaki’s guide to the Lake Abashiri Wakasagi Ice Fishing Experience, a winter-only event that combines nature, local flavor, and fun. I hope it helps with your travel planning in Eastern Hokkaido!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or DM me on Instagram. Wishing you an amazing ice fishing adventure!
Klook.com＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
In an era dominated by viral trends and “clickbait” locations, my true passion lies in exploring hidden corners and regions where information is scarce. I know firsthand how precious detailed, reliable information is when planning a journey. That is why I dedicate countless hours to research and field exploration, to curate these hard-earned insights for fellow travelers like you.
Every article and image on this site represents a significant investment of time and heart. If this content has helped you, the best way to support me is by sharing or reposting this link. I kindly ask that you respect original creators; unauthorized copying or re-uploading is strictly prohibited (all content is protected under DMCA).
Catch my latest travel moments on Instagram: @287.travel
Fuel my next journey: If my guide made your trip smoother, feel free to [Buy Me a Coffee]. Your support keeps this project moving forward!
Thank you for being a part of this community.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Klook.com