When to go to jail.

Abashiri Prison

🏯 Tales from the Past: Why Build a Jail at Abaziri?

In the late 19th century, the Japanese government was pushing for the development of Hokkaido as a residential and agricultural area, but the terrain was full of forests, mountains and snow, so road and logging construction required enormous amounts of labor, so the government chose to use prisoners to do these hard work.

In 1890, the "Abaziri Prison" was built. The prisoners sent here were those who were heavily punished. Both anti-government politicians and cruel criminals. Prisoners were forced to work in the snow, negative temperatures. Sometimes they had to cut down trees day and night with little food to offer. Living was hardly different from being sent to torture to death.

✨ The highlight of the Basiri prison.

1. Radiating Prison

Designed to branch like a fish nest or halo, the prisoner's sleeping house building allows the guards to stand in the center and then see every walkway, it is considered one of the few that remains intact in Japan.

2. Prison break narrative

Although reputed to be the most stringent prison, some prisoners tried to escape, one of whom was Yoshi Fuss Shiro, a famous criminal who became a legend of escape in Japanese history, who was reputed to be the "Escape King," who had a reputation for breaking out four times without killing a single guard.

3. Outdoor Museum

The Basiri prison is preserved and open to the public. Tourists can actually walk into their cells, wood factories, kitchens to special prison rooms.

4. Prisoner food

A highlight that many people like is to try. Foods modeled on the prisoner's actual menu, such as steamed rice with salted samma.

📍 Tourism Information

• Location: Abashiri City, Hokkaido, Japan

• How to get there: From Memanbetsu Airport, a 30-minute bus ride

• Opening hours: 9: 00 - 17: 00 (may change seasonally)

• Admission: About 1,000 yen (Adult)

# Hokkaido # Travel abroad # Travel to Japan by yourself # Japan