Tsukigata Prison Museum - Hokkaido

Tsukigata Prison Museum also called Tsukigata Kabato Museum (月形樺戸博物館) is a museum that showcases the history of one of Hokkaido’s historic prisons. It is located at 1219 in the town of Tsukigata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Tsukigata Prison Museum

Tsukigata Prison Museum details

The Tsukigata Prison Museum is a window into Japan's past, offering a profound exploration of the Tsukigata Central Prison (Shuchi-kan)—a pioneering institution that operated from 1881 to 1919. This historical site, once housing long-term prisoners, played a critical role in shaping the northern frontier during the transformative Meiji period.

Tsukigata Prison Museum - Tsukigata town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Prison Born from Necessity

The Tsukigata Central Prison was established during a turbulent time marked by the Movement for Freedom and Popular Rights uprisings. To address overcrowding in Tokyo and Miyagi’s prisons and the need for large-scale labor, the Meiji government looked to Hokkaido’s uncharted wilderness for a solution. Inspired by European prison systems, the government sought a location that could combine labor with security, ultimately selecting present-day Tsukigata town.

Tsukigata Prison Museum Facade

月形樺戸博物館

A team of eight Meiji government officials embarked on a scouting mission across Hokkaido, ultimately selecting present-day Tsukigata town as the ideal site for the new prison. The region boasted several key advantages that made it an ideal choice. First and foremost, its close proximity to the Ishikari River provided a convenient means of prisoner transportation, while its formidable width acted as a natural barrier against escape attempts. 

Other Things to See Outside the Tsukigata Prison Museum

The museum extension at the back side of Tsukigata Prison Museum

This part of the museum is actually connected to the main museum via underground walkway

Statue of Kiyoshi Tsukigata

Monument to Kiyoshi Tsukigata

Furthermore, the surrounding mountain ranges served as an effective deterrent, ensuring the security of the facility. The dense forest, which could be cleared by the labor of the inmates, provided fertile land for farming purposes. Lastly, the area's uninhabited status further enhanced the prison's seclusion.

Tsukigata Prison Museum floor map

Life Inside the Prison

With a capacity to accommodate around 1500 prisoners, the Tsukigata Central Prison primarily housed individuals convicted of severe crimes such as arson, murder, robbery, and political treason. Initially, the government aimed to establish cultivable land that released prisoners could settle on, but the colonization of Hokkaido progressed slower than anticipated. Fearing Russian occupation, the authorities redirected the prison workforce to construct a comprehensive network of major roads across the island. This endeavor not only accelerated the development of Hokkaido but also laid the foundation for its successful reclamation.

Exhibits inside Tsukigata Prison Museum*

Berude-kun - Tsukigata's mascot 

*I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits, and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what Tsukigata Prison Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

A Lasting Impact

Over the years, eight wardens oversaw the operations of the Tsukigata Central Prison. Notably, the first warden, Kiyoshi Tsukigata, left an indelible mark on the institution and became the namesake of the town itself. The dedicated staff included prison guards, employment guidance counselors, a crime compensation association, and a medical examiner, all contributing to the effective functioning of the prison.

While subsequent central prisons, such as the Sorachi Central Prison and the Kushiro Central Prison, were established in Hokkaido, the Tsukigata Central Prison remained the main branch and served as a pivotal platform for Japan's further development. Today, the Tsukigata Prison Museum commemorates this significant historical chapter, offering visitors a chance to delve into the intriguing story of the prison and its lasting impact on the region.

Team Nicerio visits Tsukigata Prison Museum

My daughter and I visited Tsukigata Prison Museum during our Daddy & Ella Road Trip # 2 – “Tsukigata x Ishikari” last June 11, 2023, which was my 587th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This museum was the highlight of our visit to Tsukigata. It reminded me of the Abashiri Prison Museum. During our visit, my daughter and I learned a lot not only about the history of the museum but also the history of the town itself.

Tsukigata Prison Museum Admission Fee

Tsukigata Prison Museum Admission Fee

To enter and explore the Tsukigata Prison Museum, visitors need to pay an entrance fee

Adults – 300 yen
High School Students – 150 yen
Elementary School Students – 100 yen

Tsukigata Prison Museum Operating Hours

The Tsukigata Prison Museum is open to the public from March 20 – November 30. It is closed during the winter season.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Why visit the Tsukigata Prison Museum?

If you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about Japan's past, a visit to the Tsukigata Prison Museum promises an enlightening experience. Immerse yourself in the captivating narratives and displays that bring to life the fascinating era of the Tsukigata Central Prison, an integral part of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Getting to Tsukigata Prison Museum:

 

The most convenient way to reach Tsukigata Prison Museum is by private or rental car. 

However, if you’re using public transportation, here’s a route you can take. From Iwamizawa Station, walk to the Iwamizawa Terminal and board the 21 Tsukigata Sen - Tsukigata Eki Mae bus operated by the Chuo Bus Company. Alight at the Tsukigata Eki Mae bus stop and walk for about 300 meters to reach the Tsukigata Prison Museum.

Travel time:  45 minutes

Fare: 940 yen

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