Abashiri, Hokkaidō Prefecture, Hokkaido Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Abashiri (網走市) is a city located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Abashiri is known as the site of the Abashiri Prison, a Meiji-era facility used for the incarceration of political prisoners. The old prison has been turned into a museum, but the city's new maximum-security prison is still in use.

History The origin of the city's name is not known for certain, but it is agreed that it was derived from an Ainu word. A few among several of the candidates include apa-siri (leakage/ground) and ci-pa-sir ("the land we discovered"). • March 1872: Abashiri Village (アバシリ村) founded, being given the name of Abashiri District in Kitami Province. • 1875: The village name is rewritten in kanji (網走村). • 1902: Abashiri Village, Kitami Town, Isani Village, and Nikuribake Village, all in Abashiri District, merged to form Abashiri Town. • 1915: Notoro Village, Mokoto Village merged. • 1921: Memanbetsu Village (later Memanbetsu Town, merged into Ōzora in 2006) split. • 1931: Boundary with Memanbetsu Town modified. • February 11, 1947: Higashimokoto Village (merged into Ōzora in 2006) split. Abashiri Town becomes Abashiri City. All of the territories of Ōzora used to be a part of Abashiri.

Geography Abashiri is located in the eastern part of Okhotsk Subprefecture, about 50 km east of Kitami. There are no tall mountains, but there are many hills. The Abashiri River flows through the city and there are three lakes (Lake Abashiri, Lake Notoro and Lake Tōfutsu) in the city as well. These lakes and Mount Tento belong to Abashiri Quasi-National Park.

Economy Because of its short 130-day growing season, the crops in the region, such as oats, potatoes, and beans, are required to be hardy. Hay is also grown for local cows, horses, and sheep. The sea is an important part of the community as well as the economy, as fishing, oysters, and seaweed are important means of livelihood.

Air Memanbetsu Airport is located in nearby Ōzora.

Rail Abashiri is an important local port city and railway terminal (Abashiri Station). • JR Hokkaido Sekihoku Main Line: Yobito - Abashiri • JR Hokkaido Senmō Main Line: Abashiri - Katsuradai - Masuura - Mokoto - Kitahama

Universities • Tokyo University of Agriculture, Okhotsk campus.