Abashiri Prison Museum: A Glimpse into Japan's Penal Past

Step back in time at the Abashiri Prison Museum, a unique open-air museum that preserves and showcases the buildings of the original Abashiri Prison. Established in the 1890s, the prison housed over a thousand dangerous criminals and political prisoners who were instrumental in the development of Hokkaido. The museum complex, set against the backdrop of Mt. Tento, includes more than a dozen structures, with eight designated as Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can explore the main prison building with its radial cell blocks, a courthouse, bathhouse, and punishment chamber, gaining insight into the harsh realities of prison life. Realistic life-sized figures recreate scenes from the prison's past, and you can even sample a 'prisoner's meal' in the cafeteria. Originally built to contain criminals and provide a workforce for infrastructure projects, Abashiri Prison gained notoriety through popular culture. The museum not only tells the story of the prison but also highlights the prisoners' contributions to constructing roads and developing Hokkaido's infrastructure. The Abashiri Prison Museum offers a compelling and educational experience, providing a glimpse into a dark but significant chapter in Japan's history.