Basic Information
About the Museum
The Abashiri Prison Museum is an open-air historical museum that preserves and opens to the public the former buildings of Abashiri Prison, which has been closely connected with the city of Abashiri since the Meiji era.
Located on the Lake Abashiri side of Mt. Tento, a scenic area within Abashiri Quasi-National Park, the museum site covers an area equivalent to approximately 3.5 Tokyo Domes. The expansive grounds contain many exhibition facilities, including four buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties and three Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
As an open-air museum, one of its defining features is the opportunity to explore the site alongside Hokkaido’s distinctive natural environment. Within the well-maintained grounds, the scenery changes with the seasons, offering lush green landscapes from spring to summer and quiet, snow-covered buildings in winter.
Guided by the concept of a universal museum, we aim to convey history and culture to a wide range of visitors, regardless of age, nationality, or disability. Through activities rooted in the local community, we work daily to create a better and more accessible museum.
Opening Hours
Closed: Dec 31 & Jan 1
Admission Fees
*All prices include tax.
Adults
¥1,500
High school students
*Student ID required.
¥1,000
Elementary & junior high students
¥750
Group discount
20+ people: 20% off
Welfare rate
¥750
Abashiri resident discount
20% off
- *Discounts cannot be combined.
- *Credit cards and electronic money are accepted.
For customers using the welfare rate or Abashiri resident discount
The welfare rate applies to visitors with a disability certificate (physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, mental disability certificate, or applicable app).
To use the Abashiri resident discount, please present a document that proves you live in Abashiri (such as a driver’s license or health insurance card) at the ticket counter. If you cannot provide proof, the discount will not be applied.
Brochures
Access
From JR Abashiri StationAbout 4 km
- On foot: about 40 min
- By car / taxi: about 7 min
- By bus: about 10 min
If you are coming by bus, please check the latest timetable and service updates on the Abashiri Bus website.Abashiri Bus Co., Ltd.
From Memanbetsu AirportAbout 18.5 km
- By car / taxi: about 20 min
Airport buses go directly to JR Abashiri Station. From there, please transfer to a local route bus to the museum. There is no direct bus from the airport to the museum.
Parking
Parking is free of charge.
There are two parking areas on the premises (Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 2).
Facilities include parking spaces for 400 passenger cars, 21 bus-only lanes, designated spaces for visitors with disabilities, motorcycle lanes, and bicycle parking.
Visitor Guidelines
Many of the historic buildings preserved and open to the public at Abashiri Prison Museum are wooden structures built more than 100 years ago. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us preserve these cultural properties in the best possible condition.
- In accordance with Japan’s revised Health Promotion Act, the entire site is non-smoking (including heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes).
- There are no trash bins on the premises.
- Photography is allowed in most areas except for certain materials and sections. However, filming for the purpose of uploading to video platforms or live streaming is prohibited. We also do not permit the lending of images or videos for commercial purposes.
- Please refrain from behavior that disturbs other visitors (e.g., shouting or staying in one spot for a long time).
- Bringing hazardous items is prohibited.
- If graffiti, damage, or soiling of buildings or materials is intentionally caused, we may seek compensation for damages.
- Pets and small animals are not allowed inside the museum grounds. Assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs) are permitted.
Thank you for your cooperation and for enjoying your visit with consideration for others.