Culture

Abashiri Prison

It is a prison under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.

Abashiri Prison is the northernmost prison in Japan, located near the mouth of the Abashiri River. It was established in Meiji 23 (1890) as the Abashiri Prisoner Foreign Office of the Kushiro Prison Station, and was established for the purpose of accommodating serious criminal inmates transferred from all over the country as an effort to improve the roads of Hokkaido.
Although it is still used as an active facility under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, it is not possible to tour the interior, but the heavy red brick main gate built in Taisho 11 (1922) is made of bricks made by burning soil inside the prison, and many tourists visit as a photo spot. In addition, there is an exhibition hall next to the prison to display prison work products.
The image of "Abashiri is a prison" was created in the movie "Abashiri Extra Series" starring Ken Takakura and became widely established.
Apart from the prison, there is a museum called "Museum Abashiri Prison" in Tentozan, and you can tour the historical facilities here.
"Museum Abashiri Prison"

Points

Recommended points from the person in charge

The Prison Work Products Exhibition Hall next to Abashiri Prison displays and sells woodwork, leather goods, and dressmaking items made by inmates as part of their prison work, making it a popular spot with tourists. Be sure to stop by.

Basic information

Address

Sancho, Abashiri City, Hokkaido 093-0088
Implementation time

[Prison Work Products Exhibition Hall] February to November (weekdays and holidays) 10:00-15:45, (Saturdays and Sundays) 9:00-15:45 December to January (weekdays) 10:30-15:00
Business hours

[Prison Work Products Exhibition Hall]
February to November (weekdays and holidays) 10:00-15:45, (Saturdays and Sundays) 9:00-15:45
December-January (Weekdays) 10:30-15:00
Regular holiday

New Year's holiday, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from December to January
Access

By car: Approximately 5 minutes from the city center
Bus: Abashiri Bus, get off at Prison-mae bus stop (approx. 5 minutes)
Parking

None (please use the parking lot on the right before crossing the bridge)
Inquiry

0152-67-4360 (Prison Work Products Exhibition Center)

Surrounding map

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