Abashiri Lake Notoro Glasswort Festival

This annual event is held on the shores of Lake Notoro in Abashiri when vast colonies of glasswort, commonly known as coral grass, turn crimson in a scene that symbolizes Hokkaido's brief autumn. The festival features live music, Yosakoi Soran dance performances, and programs showcasing the local area.

The Scallop Shucking Contest is particularly popular. Participants chosen by lottery compete for speed and presentation while promoting the area's renowned scallops, drawing great excitement every year. There are also plenty of interactive activities, including a game in which participants guess the weight of vegetables.

The festival also offers cuisine distinctive to the Okhotsk region. In addition to food trucks, grills are available for visitors to cook scallops, whelks, and other seafood purchased at the venue and savor it piping hot. Eating freshly grilled seafood by the lakeshore, with the scent of the sea in the air, offers a special opportunity to experience Abashiri's natural surroundings and food culture together.

After taking part in the various programs, view the glasswort colonies from the boardwalk to appreciate a vast, quintessentially Hokkaido landscape rarely found in a city. Join this lively local event, take in scenery found only in autumn, and add another memorable moment to your trip.