Tsukigata Prison, building in Tsukigata, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Tsukigata Prison operated from 1881 to 1919 and served as a key facility during the development of the region. The original building now functions as a museum displaying artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate prison life and operations from that era.
The prison was established in 1881 to use convicts for infrastructure development in Hokkaido, including road building and land clearing. In 1894, the government shifted its approach and began transferring most convicts back to the mainland before their sentences ended.
The town is named after the prison's first director, Kiyoshi Tsukigata, reflecting its connection to this chapter of history. Much of the local infrastructure, including roads and temples, was built by prisoners and remains visible in the town's layout today.
The former prison building is easily accessible and houses a museum displaying the facility's history. The setting is quiet and respectfully maintained, suited for visitors who wish to take time for reflection and learning.
A cemetery at the site contains over a thousand graves of prisoners who died while working or due to harsh conditions. The town holds an annual memorial service there to honor their memory.
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