Abashiri Prison Museum
博物館網走監獄
An open-air museum with relocated buildings from the Meiji-era Abashiri Prison, including radial cell blocks and the Mirror Bridge. It offers insight into the history of Hokkaido's settlement.
Abashiri Prison was founded in 1890. Prisoners were sent to build the central road that crosses Hokkaido, and many died from the harsh labour. The museum sits on the hillside of Mount Tento and houses relocated buildings, including a five-wing radial cell block, administration buildings and the Kyokai-do hall. Several of these structures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. At the prison canteen you can try 'prison meals' based on the menu of the active Abashiri Prison. It is open from about 9 am to 5 pm, and adult admission is about 1,500 yen. Take a sightseeing loop bus from JR Abashiri Station for about 10 minutes. The museum can be combined with the Drift Ice Museum and the Museum of Northern Peoples for a half-day trip.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (until about 16:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples
- Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
- Moyoro Shell Mound Museum
- Aurora Icebreaker Cruise
- Lake Abashiri
- Lake Notoro Coral Grass (Uparanai)
- Cape Notoro
- Kitahama Station