Ice Fishing Experience Eat Fresh fish Tempura at Lake Abashiri

If you’re looking for an activity that combines the thrill of fishing with the beauty of Japan’s winter landscape, the Ice Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri offers a unique adventure. This tour promises more than just catching fish; it’s about creating memorable moments on frozen lakes surrounded by snow-covered scenery, topped with the satisfaction of eating your freshly caught fish.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to fish in private tents, creating a cozy and intimate setting despite the biting cold. Second, the chance to try your hand at drilling holes in the ice, even if you’ve never fished before. Third, the delicious reward of tempura made from your catch, served hot and crispy—an authentic taste of Hokkaido. However, a potential consideration is that the tents lack heating facilities, so being prepared to bundle up is essential.

This experience is ideal for families, friends, and solo travelers eager to try something different in Japan’s winter. It’s especially suited for those interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and tasting local delicacies, all wrapped into one fun-filled session.

Key Points

• Authentic Ice Fishing: You’ll drill holes in the thick ice of Lake Abashiri and fish for Wakasagi (Japanese smelt), a traditional winter activity in Hokkaido.
• Guided Support: Even beginners will feel comfortable thanks to guides who assist with fishing techniques and equipment use.
• Cozy Private Tents: Each group gets a private tent for shelter, though no heating is provided, so dress warmly.
• Fresh Fish Tempura: The meal of the day—tempura made from your own catch—is served hot, offering a truly local culinary experience.
• Scenic Winter Setting: Surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, the views are as memorable as the activity itself.
• Convenience and Value: The tour includes fishing gear, snacks, tempura, beverages, transportation, and guide assistance—delivering good value for the price.

What to Expect During Your Lake Abashiri Ice Fishing Tour

Booking and Arrival

The tour costs approximately $51.22 per person, making it quite affordable for an activity that combines outdoor fun with a cultural twist. Most bookings are made about 3 weeks in advance, reflecting its popularity, especially in winter. You can choose between a morning session at 8:20 or an afternoon session at 14:10, with specific times possibly adjusted based on pickup locations.

Pickup and Transportation

Transportation is arranged by the tour provider, JTB Hokkaido, which helps streamline your day and eliminate the hassle of local travel logistics. The convenience of pickup service means you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than navigating snowy roads or public transport.

The Ice Fishing Setting

Once on the lake, you’ll be guided to your private tent, an essential feature that offers shelter against the cold and wind. While no heating is available inside, the tents are designed to keep you reasonably warm with proper clothing. You might find that renting warm boots or bringing extra layers makes the experience more comfortable.

The guides assist with drilling ice holes—something that the reviews confirm is both fun and satisfying, even for first-timers. We loved the way guides are patient and attentive, explaining each step clearly and helping with tricky fishing gear or birds that get your hook stuck.

The Fishing Process

Fishing for Wakasagi involves baiting and dropping your hook into a hole drilled through the ice. The thrill of waiting for a bite, then pulling up a shimmering fish through a narrow hole, is surprisingly exhilarating. Reviewers have shared that even if you’re not familiar with fishing, the guides make it straightforward, ensuring everyone has a shot at catching something.

Eating Your Catch

After fishing, the real treat begins. The caught fish are taken for immediate tempura frying, resulting in crispy, hot bites that taste incredible when eaten right there on the lake. The fresh flavor of the Wakasagi, combined with the crunchy coating, offers a genuine taste of Hokkaido’s culinary culture. Beverages and snacks are provided, making it easy to relax and enjoy the meal.

Scenic Photography and Atmosphere

Beyond fishing, the scenery is breathtaking. Surrounded by snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and a crisp winter sky, you’ll want to keep your camera handy. The tour provides a peaceful, almost meditative ambiance—perfect for those looking to connect with Japan’s natural beauty in its winter attire.

Final Thoughts on the Tour

While the experience is generally well-received, it’s worth noting that the tents aren’t heated, so dressing in thermal layers, hats, gloves, and warm boots is advisable. Some reviewers mention bringing towels or wet wipes to wipe hands after fishing, which is practical given the manual nature of the activity.

The duration of approximately 2 hours 10 minutes makes it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into broader travel plans in Hokkaido. And since this is a private tour, your group gets personalized attention, making the experience more engaging and relaxed.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This ice fishing experience appeals most to adventurous travelers seeking authentic local activities and culinary delights. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a shared experience, especially if they enjoy outdoor activities, scenic winter landscapes, or trying new things. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind the cold and are eager to learn a traditional Japanese winter pastime.

If you’re looking for a unique, fun, and tasty activity that combines nature, culture, and local cuisine, this tour offers excellent value without feeling overly commercialized. It’s a charming way to spend a few hours in Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.

FAQ

Do I need fishing experience to join this tour?
No, first-time anglers are very welcome. Guides are available to teach you how to use the equipment, and assistance is provided throughout.

Are there any facilities on the lake?
Yes, there are simple toilets available, though they lack running water. No heating facilities are in the tents, so dress warmly.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, especially thermal layers, hats, and gloves. A towel can be useful for wiping wet hands, and wet wipes are recommended if you want to wash your hands.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation arranged by the provider, making it convenient to reach Lake Abashiri.

Can I book for weekends and holidays?
Reservations cannot be confirmed on weekends and holidays due to holiday closures, so plan accordingly.

What’s the duration of the experience?
The total activity lasts about 2 hours 10 minutes, including fishing, eating, and relaxing.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At $51.22 per person, the experience offers good value, considering gear, guide assistance, meals, snacks, and transportation are included.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Words

This ice fishing tour at Lake Abashiri hits a sweet spot for travelers craving an authentic winter adventure. It mixes hands-on activity, local flavor, and scenic beauty, all wrapped in a manageable, well-organized package. While it’s most suited for those comfortable in cold weather and eager to try something different, the supportive guides and inclusive setup make it accessible to most.

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, cultural experiences, and delicious food, you’ll cherish the memories made during this chilly yet warm-hearted outing. It’s a wonderful way to see Hokkaido in winter and taste the local catch right from the frozen lake.