再現された「二代目鏡橋」
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Abashiri Prison Museum

4.3
·8k reviews·Abashiri, Japan

Step back in time at the Abashiri Prison Museum, exploring Hokkaido's past through preserved buildings and lifelike dioramas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Captivating atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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再現された「二代目鏡橋」

Abashiri Prison Museum

Best Time

Winter Mornings

Captivating atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the Abashiri Prison Museum, exploring Hokkaido's past through preserved buildings and lifelike dioramas.

4.3
(8k reviews)

"A captivating experience, especially for 'Golden Kamuy' fans, offering a stark look into Hokkaido's development."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bring an Umbrella

Essential for hot summer days to shield from the sun. Some may be provided, but it's best to have your own.

⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours

The museum grounds are extensive, offering a lot to see and absorb.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 8,187 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Prison Buildings

Original Prison Buildings

Main Prison Area

Explore the meticulously preserved Meiji-era prison structures, offering a stark glimpse into historical incarceration.

Dioramas of Prison Life

Dioramas of Prison Life

Exhibition Halls

Lifelike wax figures and detailed scenes vividly recreate the daily struggles and routines of inmates.

The 'Mirror Bridge'

The 'Mirror Bridge'

Near the Prison Entrance

A symbolic bridge offering a moment of reflection on the past and the journey of those incarcerated.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Comfort

Summer visits can be intensely hot; bring an umbrella or seek out the one air-conditioned building for respite. Winter offers a different, captivating atmosphere, but be prepared for the cold. Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the expansive grounds.

Connect with History & Pop Culture

Many visitors are drawn by the popular anime/manga series 'Golden Kamuy,' which features the prison. Understanding this context can deepen your appreciation for the historical narratives presented.

Best Times

When
Winter Mornings
Why
Captivating atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Seek the AC building's relief
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

MOST FAMOUS JAPANESE PRISION #theanimeman #joeybizinger #fyp #japan #irl
@joeybizinger
8.9K likes • 284.9K views

🎯 Bring an Umbrella

Essential for hot summer days to shield from the sun. Some may be provided, but it's best to have your own. Reddit

⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours

The museum grounds are extensive, offering a lot to see and absorb. Reddit

The Abashiri Prison Museum (博物館網走監獄) is the only prison museum in Japan. #prison #prisonmuseum #museum #japan #japanese #tourismjapan #hokkaido #japantravel #japantravelguide #japantravels
saya_in_underworld
31 likes • 1.6K views
二見湖畔神社収穫祭始まりました! 御神輿が館内を練り歩いています! 午前11時、午後1時にも巡行しますよ〜 #博物館網走監獄 #網走監獄 #博物館 #網走 #北海道 #abashiriprisonmuseum #収穫祭 #御神輿
abashiri_prison_museum
35 likes • 3K views

🎧 Golden Kamuy Connection

Watching the series beforehand enhances the experience and historical context. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the spacious grounds. :athletic_shoe:

Belajar sejarah dari abashiri prison museum. HelmiTour. Reservasi WA/DM hanya Private Transportasi Resmi di Jepang. +6285270807524 #helmitour #wisatajepang #jepanghalaltour #fuji #gotembaoutlet #kawaguchiko #tokyo #disneyland #hakone #osaka #kyoto #shirakawago #takayama #galayuzawa #sewamobiljepang #rentalmobiljepang #traveljepang #sewamobildijepang
helmitour
5 likes • 67 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bring an Umbrella

Essential for hot summer days to shield from the sun. Some may be provided, but it's best to have your own. Reddit

⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours

The museum grounds are extensive, offering a lot to see and absorb. Reddit

🎧 Golden Kamuy Connection

Watching the series beforehand enhances the experience and historical context. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the spacious grounds. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the unique architecture and historical displays. Some areas are filming locations for movies. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Abashiri Prison Museum is a captivating historical site, praised for its detailed exhibits and the immersive experience it offers, especially for fans of 'Golden Kamuy.' Visitors appreciate the historical context of Hokkaido's development and the preserved prison buildings. However, some find the wax figures unsettling, and the summer heat can be intense without proper preparation.

"A cool yet haunting experience that was my main reason for coming to Abashiri.

The museum is interactive and really does an excellent job of telling the stories of those who worked and were imprisoned there.

Snow on the ground really painted a picture of the conditions that would have faced those there in winter."

Simon Overall

"The museum is set on the original site of the Abashiri Prison. The prison’s architecture is stunningly preserved, showcasing the five-wing wooden radial prison design, centered around a towering watchtower.

The museum goes beyond just buildings by incorporating lifelike mannequins and detailed narratives, immersing visitors in the history and the daily lives of inmates and guards alike."

J T

"Abarishi is a good stop on the drive from Kitami to Shiretoko. The prison museum sits on very large grounds and is a made up of restored and replicas of what the prison was like from the late 1800s to early 1900s

The attention to details helps to bring one back to how life was like not only for prisoners but also prison guards."

George Khoo

What People Like

Detailed historical exhibits
Golden Kamuy connection
Preserved prison buildings

What People Dislike

Creepy wax figures
Summer heat
Relatively high ticket price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Abashiri Prison Museum is accessible by bus or taxi from Abashiri Station. Buses are a common and convenient option for reaching the museum. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to visit as a day trip from Kitami, but you'll need to plan your time carefully. Ensure you leave Kitami early and be mindful of bus schedules for your return. Reddit

Buses and taxis are the primary modes of transport for getting around Abashiri and reaching attractions like the prison museum. Reddit

Yes, the museum is accessible in winter, offering a unique historical experience amidst the snowy landscape. TikTok

Information regarding specific parking availability can be found on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's advisable to check the official Abashiri Prison Museum website for the most current admission fees. Some visitors have noted it's relatively expensive compared to other museums. Reddit

Opening hours can change seasonally. It's recommended to consult the official museum website for the most up-to-date information on operating times. Instagram

Generally, advance booking is not required for general admission, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's official policy, especially during peak seasons.

Information on potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the museum's official website. Inquire directly for details.

Admission typically grants access to the main prison buildings, exhibition halls with dioramas, and the surrounding grounds. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary within different sections of the museum. While some areas may allow it, it's best to look for signage or ask staff to confirm where photos can be taken. Instagram

The original prison buildings themselves are quite photogenic, as are the detailed dioramas. The 'Mirror Bridge' also offers a reflective photo opportunity. Instagram

Generally, photos of the wax figures are permitted, but always be respectful and avoid flash photography if it might disturb other visitors or damage exhibits.

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, especially for indoor exhibits. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the scale of the prison buildings. :iphone:

Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites and museums to ensure the safety and preservation of the premises and for the comfort of visitors.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum, taking in the exhibits and walking the grounds. Reddit

Some visitors find the lifelike mannequins and the somber history of the prison to be a bit creepy or unsettling. InstagramReddit

While educational, the themes of imprisonment and hardship might be intense for very young children. Parents should consider their child's sensitivity. Instagram

It preserves the history of the prison's role in developing Hokkaido, particularly the construction of the central highway by inmates. TikTokInstagram+1

Information on guided tours, if available, can be found on the museum's official website or by inquiring at the information desk upon arrival.

🍽️ 🛍️ Souvenirs & Dining

Yes, the museum typically has a souvenir shop offering items unique to Abashiri. Reddit

Souvenir selections often include items related to the prison's history, local Abashiri products, and potentially 'Golden Kamuy' merchandise. Reddit

While specific dining facilities within the museum might be limited, there are usually cafes or restaurants in the vicinity of Abashiri town. Check local listings.

The souvenir shop might offer some local snacks. For a wider selection, explore eateries in Abashiri town. Reddit

Abashiri is known for its seafood, particularly crab, and local agricultural products. Some of these might be available in souvenir shops or local restaurants.

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