Welcome to Day 4 of our Eastern Hokkaido 5-Day Charter Tour, a day filled with dramatic history and breathtaking coastal vistas! Today, our dedicated private car tour leads you out of the wild Shiretoko forest, cruising west along the smooth coastline.
Along the way, we will stop at one of Japan’s most famous scenic highways, explore a historic prison museum that once held the country’s most notorious convicts, and visit a solitary cape jutting into the Sea of Okhotsk.
This deep itinerary seamlessly combines spectacular roads, legendary history, and coastal beauty. Hop into our comfortable private charter and let’s set off effortlessly!
Day 4 Route: Shiretoko ➔ Shari ➔ Abashiri (Overnight in Abashiri)
| ⚪Day 1 | ⚪ Day 2 | ⚪ Day 3 | 🔴 Day 4 | ⚪ Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo to Kushiro 👉 【Click here for Day 1 Guide】 | Lakes & Mist Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan 👉 【Click here for Day 2 Guide】 | Hidden Gems Lake Akan ➔ Shiretoko 👉 【Click here for Day 3 Guide】 | Coastal Wonders Shiretoko ➔ Abashiri 🚗 (You are here!) | The Return Abashiri ➔ Sapporo 👉 【Click here for Day 5 Guide】 |
Day 4 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule
09:00 – 10:00 (50 mins drive) | Depart from Utoro Onsen hotel in Shiretoko ➔ Drive along the scenic coastal highway to Shari Town.
10:00 – 10:45 (45 mins stop) | Shari’s “Road to Heaven” (Road to the Sky). Capture stunning photos of a perfectly straight 28 km road that appears to climb straight into the clouds.
10:45 – 12:00 (65 mins drive) | Depart Shari ➔ Drive past Lake Tofutsu along the Sea of Okhotsk to Abashiri City.
12:00 – 14:30 (150 mins stop & lunch) | Abashiri Prison Museum & Prison Meal Experience. Tour historic wooden radial cell blocks and taste authentic, healthy “prison meals” for lunch.
14:30 – 16:30 (120 mins drive & stop) | Cape Notoro. Marvel at the solitary black-and-white octagonal lighthouse perched on dramatic ocean cliffs.
16:30+ | Private transfer to your hotel in downtown Abashiri. Treat yourself to a feast of King Crab or fresh Okhotsk seafood bowls for dinner!
Note: Travel times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.
Morning Highway Miracle: Shari’s “Road to Heaven”
After departing your Shiretoko hot spring resort in the morning, your driver will follow the pristine coastline for about 50 minutes before turning onto a scenic elevated ridge in Shari Town.
This is the famous Road to Heaven (Road to the Sky). Extending straight for 28 kilometers without a single turn, the undulating terrain creates a stunning visual illusion: looking ahead from the viewpoint, the road appears to stretch endlessly upward until merging with the blue sky and clouds.
Whether framed by green summer fields or gold autumn hues, your private charter allows you to stop safely and snap iconic Hokkaido photos.
Afternoon Legends: Abashiri Prison & Cape Notoro
After visiting the Road to Heaven, your private charter continues along the Sea of Okhotsk, passing the shimmering waters of Lake Tofutsu to arrive at the historic port city of Abashiri.
The Abashiri Prison Museum is Japan’s premier outdoor prison museum. It preserves and restores original wooden radial cell blocks from the Meiji era that once housed high-security prisoners. Visitors can step inside narrow cell blocks and view lifelike wax figures to sense the cold isolation of bygone days.
At the museum cafeteria, try a traditional “Prison Meal” set lunch featuring grilled mackerel or saury, barley rice, and miso soup—a uniquely delicious cultural experience.
Cape Notoro: The Solitary Beauty of the Cinematic Lighthouse
After lunch, your driver takes you to Cape Notoro, a dramatic headland jutting out into the Sea of Okhotsk. Atop the grassy plateau stands a striking black-and-white octagonal lighthouse overlooking open waters.
Renowned for its expansive views and serene northern beauty, Cape Notoro has served as a filming location for acclaimed movies. Strolling along the cliffside paths, listen to crashing waves against black rocks and feel the refreshing coastal breeze.
Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide & Travel Tips
Abashiri and Shari lie along the wind-swept coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Exposure at Cape Notoro means wind speeds can feel very intense. Prepare for your trip with our seasonal packing chart:
| Season & Months | What to Wear | Travel Insider Tips |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Light down jackets, windproof coats, and warm trousers. | Spring sea breezes off the Okhotsk coast remain icy. Windproof outerwear and head protection are essential. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Short sleeves, breathable pants, light jackets, and sun hats. | Summer brings pleasant sunshine, but coastal winds at Cape Notoro can feel cool. Always carry a jacket. |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Thermal innerwear (Heattech), thick sweaters, and windproof warm coats. | Autumn temperatures drop quickly along the coast. Layering is key, especially during late afternoon walks. |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Ultra-thick down coats, non-slip snow boots, beanies, thermal gloves, and scarves. | Drift ice (Ryuhyo) covers the coast in winter. Roads are icy and treacherous; booking a private charter with an experienced local driver is strongly recommended. |
Book Your Abashiri Private Charter Today
Day 4 concludes gracefully with golden sunset views over Cape Notoro and rich history in Abashiri. Tonight, indulge in a feast of fresh Okhotsk King Crab in Abashiri. Tomorrow, our private driver will guide us on our final leg back to Sapporo via Kitami!
Avoid public bus transfers and long-distance driving fatigue. Contact our friendly customer service team today to book your Hokkaido private car tour and experience Eastern Hokkaido in comfort and style!
✨ Exclusive Bonus for Your Private Tour:
The beauty of Hokkaido goes beyond the famous landmarks. To make your journey more heartfelt, we’ve prepared a list of “Hidden Gems” tucked away within our classic itineraries.
🔒 How to Unlock Your Secret Map?
Simply complete your booking to instantly unlock these hidden spots. We will send you a personalized custom itinerary, ensuring your Hokkaido memories are truly one-of-a-kind.