Guida
The Engaru Kabato Museum is a municipal museum located in Engaru Town, Hokkaido. This facility preserves the history of the 'Kabato Shujikan' (Kabato Prison), which housed political and criminal prisoners for 39 years from 1882 (Meiji 15) to 1919 (Taisho 8). The exhibits and buildings serve to illustrate the social structures and the reality of life and imprisonment during the pioneering era of Hokkaido. The complex consists of several structures, including the former Kabato Shujikan main office built in 1881, the main museum building for historical exhibits, and a separate building housing the works of sculptor Akiji Honda.
This site was once home to the Kabato Shujikan, a place where many people were held during the Meiji and Taisho periods. The surviving main office building has a storied history; after being destroyed by fire in 1886, it served as an office until 1919. It was later used as the Engaru Town Hall until 1972, and in 1973, it opened to the public as the 'Hokkaido Penal Museum.' In 1996, it was renamed the 'Engaru Kabato Museum,' becoming a center for understanding Hokkaido's history and the evolution of the penal system. Today, it is recognized for its significant value as a Hokkaido Heritage site.
The museum is divided into three primary areas. First is the 'Former Kabato Shujikan Main Office,' a wooden architectural structure that evokes the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Second is the 'Main Museum Building,' which uses authentic artifacts to showcase the conditions of the Kabato Shujikan. The second floor features a theater corner and an interactive section where visitors can experience the daily tasks and labor of prisoners, providing a multi-faceted understanding of Hokkaido's development. Third is the 'Museum Annex,' which since April 2023 has hosted the 'Akiji Honda Gallery,' showcasing the works of the sculptor born in Engaru. The first floor of the annex also displays materials related to local nature and agriculture, offering a deep dive into regional history.
The museum is open from March 20 to November 30. Please note that the museum is closed for the winter season from December 1 to March 19. 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 buildings and the diorama exhibits under carefully designed 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, offering a hands-on way to learn about the labor and lifestyle of the era. The theater corner provides visual learning through video presentations about the history of Hokkaido's development. Additionally, the Akiji Honda Gallery offers a chance to view art through the eyes of a sculptor capturing Hokkaido's natural beauty. The museum is highly educational, providing worksheets for elementary and junior high school students to deepen their understanding of historical contexts.
The museum is located on the grounds of the Engaru Town Hall and offers ample parking. While the nearest station was once Gakuen-toshi Line Ishikari-Engaru Station, it was closed in May 2020. Visitors are now encouraged to use buses or other public transportation. The surrounding area features the historical landscapes of Engaru, and bus information can be found on the town's official website.