A classic attraction in Abashiri, Hokkaido. The former Abashiri Prison facilities, built during the Meiji period, have now been preserved and opened as a museum. Admission is JPY 1,500. The grounds are very large, and you can visit many historic buildings and learn about the working and living conditions of prisoners and guards at the time. There is also a stamp-collecting activity in the buildings, with a unique stamp at each major spot. I especially liked the ingenious design of the prison area, which allowed guards to see several cells at a glance. There is also a recreation of the escape by Yoshie Shiratori, the “King of Prison Breaks,” which was really interesting!
Abashiri Prison Museum | Review by 黃國棟
Other Reviews by 黃國棟
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Cape Notoro
Cape Notoro, with its towering cliffs of 40-50 meters high, juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk. The name "Notoro" is derived from the Ainu language, meaning "place of the cape."
Cape Notoro is an attraction in Abashiri that is well worth visiting, with lush green grasslands and expansive ocean views. In winter, you can also see the magical drift ice scenery. It has a different look in every season.
When I visited this winter, the entire landscape was covered in white snow, with an endless snowy view stretching out before me. Against the clear blue sky, the scenery looked especially crisp and beautiful. Standing on the cape in the cold winter wind and gazing at the vast natural landscape was truly soothing. Having such good weather was also a very lucky moment during the trip!
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Lake Abashiri
Set in the southwest corner of the city with the same name is Lake Abashiri, a marine lake stretching 43 all around with a full index of activities to try all year around.
Lake Abashiri is a distinctive natural attraction in eastern Hokkaido, with a different appearance in every season and many outdoor activities to try. When I visited, it was winter, and the lake was covered in thick ice, with white snow all around and distant mountain scenery quietly stretching into the distance, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very good on the day I arrived. The entire sky was gray, so it lacked the clear look it would have under a blue sky. Still, Lake Abashiri in winter has a quiet and unique beauty that is worth experiencing in person.
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Abashiri Municipal Museum
Opened in 1936, the Abashiri Municipal Museum is one of the oldest museums in Hokkaido. Located in Abashiri, at the northeastern tip of Japan, this museum offers a deep dive into the region's rich natural environment and its history, from ancient times to the present.
When visiting Abashiri, besides enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, I also highly recommend stopping by the local history museum to learn more about the city's history and culture. The first floor mainly features nature exhibits and animal specimens, while the second floor covers everything from the Jomon and Ainu periods through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. There is a lot to see.
Admission is only JPY 120, which is a great deal! The building itself is also worth seeing, with a strong Meiji-era character. It is quaint and beautiful, making this a nice little spot to explore at a leisurely pace.
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