Four hours in Abashiri

Hi,

We will arrive to Abashiri February 9 in the evening, Aurora cruise February 10, 9AM, probably finish by 10-10:30. We plan to travel to Sapporo, 14:17PM. This leaves 3-4 hours extra time in Abashiri. I am considering what to do in this time. One option is to take the round trip by the Ryuhyo Norokko train, 10:25 - 12:57. Another option is to spend the time visiting Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival , even though next day we will be in Sapporo. Additional option is snowmobile rideJ on frozen Abashiri lake.

I know that we have only limited time, but want to get maximum from our once in lifetime visit to Hokkaido in winter.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Wakasagi[ワカサギ] fishing at Abashiri lake(on ice).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGZQ2rCwOF8

Wakasagi?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypomesus_nipponensis
small fish but delicious (flied).

rental rod (small reel,line,fooks)
add play fee and bate about 2000Y/a day all.
http://www.abakanko.jp/event/wakasagi.html

but fine-weather and no wind only(as no tent/chair).

depends on whether you are willing to pay for a taxi as walking from the station to the Aurora cruise area would take about 20 minutes pending icy pavements.

I would try the seafood there plus the tourist shop near the station sells very unique canned food not found anywhere else.