🗺️ Abashiri Prison Museum 博物館 網走監獄

The Abashiri Prison Museum is an outdoor historical museum located within the Abashiri National Park, covering an area equivalent to 3.5 Tokyo Domes. The museum has relocated, restored, and preserved the old buildings of Abashiri Prison for public access. Visitors can explore four facilities designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including the oldest existing wooden prison building in Japan, the "Cell Block and Central Watchtower," the "Main Hall," which served as the primary facility for prison administration, and the "Chapel," where pastors and monks provided rehabilitation guidance to inmates. These buildings are precious examples from the Meiji and Taisho periods. In the theater within the prison history museum, a three-screen film realistically depicts the harsh labor scenes experienced by inmates a century ago. At the current Abashiri Prison cafeteria, visitors can also enjoy the "Prison Meal," which recreates the meals once provided to inmates. The museum shop, which sells related books and prison-made products, is also worth a visit. Additionally, there are pre-booked experience workshops available for groups of four or more, where participants can create brick structures and make straw sandal charms.

The outdoor historical museum of the "Abashiri Prison" has been preserved and opened. Through the authentic buildings and experiential theater, visitors can understand the labor conditions and living situations of the inmates at that time. The main hall, dormitories, and teaching hall have been designated as important cultural properties. In addition to a cafeteria where prison meals can be tasted, there is also a museum shop within the main hall. Experience workshops for making red brick buildings and crafting straw sandal keychains and bird whistles are held (reservation required).