Today I made it back to the sea – a train trip of four hours got me from  Asahikawa to Abashiri in Hokkaido’s North-East, right at the Okhtosk Sea.

After leaving my big luggage in the hotel and a quick lunch (soba with a small salmon rice bowl) I did check out the harbour and made my way to the beach. With the water temperature at 4°C I saved the bath for later (in the hotel’s onsen) – and made my way to the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum – an archeological museum on the Okhtosk people, showcasing the findings from the nearby shell mound site.

After a quick visit to the local art museum (featuring local artists) I made it back to the harbor for a viewing platform – with great views over the sea and towards the Shiretoko peninsular and mountain range – approximately 70 to 80km away.