Abashiri Prison Museum (Abashiri Kangaku)

The Abashiri Prison Museum (博物館 網走監獄), also known as Abashiri Kangoku, is a former prison located in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan. Established in 1890, the prison was operational until 1984, when it was closed and transformed into a museum. It is now a popular tourist attraction in the area.

The museum is not situated at the original site of Abashiri Prison. Instead, buildings from the old prison were relocated and preserved at the current location. Abashiri Prison was notorious for its harsh conditions and housed some of Japan’s most dangerous criminals, as well as political prisoners during World War II. Located in a cold, remote area, inmates endured freezing temperatures and severe living conditions.

The Abashiri Prison Museum now features exhibits and artifacts related to the prison’s history, including reconstructed prison cells, punishment tools, and displays showcasing the daily lives of the inmates. Visitors can experience firsthand the harsh realities of prison life and learn about the history of Japanese prisons and the criminal justice system.

One of the highlights of the museum is the “Goyu Radial Five-Wings Prison House,” a unique wooden one-story prison building with five wings radiating from a central guard station. The museum also offers interactive experiences, such as a photo booth where visitors can dress up in prison uniforms and a cafeteria serving recreated prison food. The museum provides a comprehensive look into the history of Abashiri Prison and its role in the development of Hokkaido, as prisoners were involved in various construction projects, including road building, during the Meiji era.

Getting there

By Bus

From Abashiri Station:

• Take the “Sightseeing Facilities Tour” bus from platform 2
• Get off at “Abashiri Prison Museum” stop
• Journey time: About 10 minutes
• Cost: 330 yen one way

From Abashiri Bus Terminal:

• Take the bus from platform 3
• Get off at “Abashiri Prison Museum” stop

By Car

• About 30 minutes drive from Memanbetsu Airport
• Free parking available for 400 vehicles

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:00 PM.
Admission	Adults: 1,500 yen High school students: 1,000 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 750 yen
Phone	+81 152-45-2411
Address	1-1 Yobito, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2421
Official Website	https://www.kangoku.jp/multilingual_english/