Chiayi Old Prison
嘉義舊監獄
A fan-shaped radial prison from the Japanese occupation period, completed in 1922. It is a well-preserved national historic site with lively guided tours.
The Chiayi Old Prison was built during the Japanese occupation period and completed in 1922. Its radial layout follows the Pennsylvania style, with a central observation post that can monitor three cell blocks at once. It is the only fully preserved prison building from the Japanese occupation period in Taiwan. It has been designated a national historic site and now operates as the Prison Museum. Entry requires a scheduled guided tour that covers the cell blocks, workshops, bathhouse, and the central observation post, and the guides are lively and engaging. Admission is free. Check official announcements for tour times and closing days. The prison is in downtown Chiayi City, about a 10-minute drive from Chiayi Station.
Opening hours
Tour times per official schedule; usually closed Mon
Nearby sights
- Beimen Station
- Hinoki Village
- Chiayi Park & Sun Shooting Tower
- Chiayi East Market
- Chiayi City God Temple
- Chiayi Arboretum
- Chiayi Central Fountain
- Song of Forest