Panduan
The Museum of Tsukigata Kabato is a municipal museum located in Tsukigata Town, Kabato District, Hokkaido. This facility preserves the history of the "Kabato Shijikan" (Kabato Prison), which housed political and criminal prisoners for 39 years from 1882 (Meiji 15) to 1919 (Taisho 8). The exhibits and buildings serve as vital records of the social structure and daily life during Hokkaido's pioneering era. The complex consists of several key structures: the Old Kabato Shijikan Main Office (a Meiji-era building), the Main Building for historical exhibitions, and the Annex, which showcases the works of sculptor Akiji Honda.
This site was once the location of the Kabato Shijikan, a prison that held many individuals during the Meiji and Taisho periods. The existing Main Office has a storied past; after being destroyed by fire in 1886, it served as an office until 1939. It was later used as the Tsukigata Town Hall until 1972, before opening to the public as the "Hokkaido Penal Museum" in 1973. In 1996, it was renamed the "Museum of Tsukigata Kabato," becoming a center for learning about Hokkaido's history and the evolution of the penal system. It is now recognized for its significant value as a Hokkaido Heritage site.
The museum is divided into three primary areas. First is the "Old Kabato Shijikan Main Office," a wooden structure that evokes the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Second is the "Main Building," which uses authentic materials to display the reality of the Kabato Shijikan. The second floor features a theater corner and an interactive area where visitors can experience the labor tasks performed by prisoners, providing a multi-faceted understanding of Hokkaido's development. Third is the "Annex." Since April 2023, the "Akiji Honda Gallery" has been open, showcasing the works of the sculptor born in Tsukigata. The first floor also displays materials related to the local natural environment and agriculture.
The museum is open from March 20th to November 30th. Please note that the museum is closed for the winter season from December 1st to mid-March. Operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the final admission at 4:30 PM. Visiting during daylight hours allows you to observe the intricate details of the historical architecture and the dioramas under optimized lighting. The theater corner and the gallery are particularly well-suited for focused viewing in a calm, controlled environment.
On the second floor of the Main Building, visitors can participate in a prisoner work experience corner to learn about the labor and lifestyle of the era. The theater corner offers visual learning through videos about Hokkaido's pioneering history. Additionally, the Akiji Honda Gallery provides a unique perspective on Hokkaido's nature and culture through the eyes of a sculptor. The museum is highly educational, offering worksheets for elementary and junior high school students to deepen their understanding through hands-on learning.
The museum is located within the grounds of the Tsukigata Town Hall and offers ample parking. While the nearby JR Gakuen Toshi Line Tsukigata Station was closed in May 2020, visitors can access the area via local buses. The surrounding area maintains a historical landscape characteristic of Tsukigata, and bus schedules can be checked via the town's official website.
To protect the historical buildings and exhibits, please observe museum etiquette. While there are no specific dress codes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Cash is generally required for admission fees. Please check on-site for English language availability and any specific rules regarding photography, as restrictions may apply to certain exhibition areas. It is recommended to arrive with enough time to enjoy the guided aspects of the museum.