Abashiri Prison Museum

Nestled in northeast Hokkaido, the Abashiri Prison Museum stands as Japan’s sole prison museum. This open-air site preserves more than a dozen structures, including original buildings from the Meiji era, constructed by the inmates themselves. Visitors can explore these historic edifices and gain insight into the daily lives of prisoners, as well as their significant contributions to the development of Hokkaido. The museum offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing guests to step back in time and experience the conditions and challenges faced by those who were once incarcerated here.