NEW – Prison Museum

Abashiri is famous for the drift ice and the Prison Museum. The Museum has become a landmark of Abashiri which heritages the more-than-100-years-old penitentiary buildings.

Why is it famous? Is it a one of a kind?

In the 1960’s there was a movie about a prisoner who tried to escape from this prison. “Abashiri Bangaichi” which was casted with Japan’s number one movie star is still remembered as one of the most popular entertainment movie of that time. This made Abashiri jump to the top of the tourist spot list in Japan!

But more important is the historical role of this prison.

When the shogunate regime was abolished in 1867, Hokkaido was still a big island of wilderness. The newly born government gave this northern land a new role of a “fort”, to prevent the Russian Empire from invading into Japan. The land had to be quickly cultivated and roads had to be constructed. Who did all this?? The prisoners.

Five prisons, including Abashiri Prison, were established in Hokkaido for this purpose. Total of 724km was constructed by the prisoners in 4 years.

The prisoners at Abashiri Prison constructed most of the military road that connected Sapporo in the west and Abashiri in the east. 163km in a mere 8 months. Cutting down the forest, carrying logs, making the road, fighting with brown bears, little sleep and little food – it’s said to have been the harshest forced labor in history.

Today this road is National Route 39, and is the central road that connects the west and east of Hokkaido. You’ll probably use it when you visit Hokkaido.

After the roads were constructed, pioneers came and cultivated the land, and Hokkaido started to grow. It all started from the 5 prisons, and Abashiri Prison is the only prison left to see. That’s why it’s the landmark… and the pride of the locals.

• 

•