Airports are full of various signs and notices, but a particular one spotted at Hokkaido's Memanbetsu Airport has become a hot topic on social media, garnering about 30,000 impressions. What could this sign possibly say?

A Memanbetsu Airport Specialty

Source: Post by @kumakuma20000

This intriguing sign is located at Memanbetsu Airport, the gateway to the Okhotsk region in Eastern Hokkaido. A notice regarding carry-on items explicitly states, "Handcuffs cannot be brought into the cabin." The alarming word "handcuffs" prompted surprised comments like, "Why would they have this?" and "Handcuffs? Why?" However, many people seemed to get the connection, with comments such as, "I wondered why, but then I realized it's the closest airport to Abashiri..." and "An Abashiri souvenir (lol)."

The Reason: "Toy Handcuffs" Sold at the Popular Abashiri Prison Museum

The Abashiri Prison Museum is also a popular pilgrimage site for fans of "Golden Kamuy."

The reason lies at the popular tourist destination, the Abashiri Prison Museum, located about a 20-minute drive from Memanbetsu Airport. The museum's gift shop sells "toy handcuffs" as a souvenir. As you might guess, travelers who try to bring them back as carry-on luggage get flagged at the airport security check.

The Abashiri Prison Museum is an open-air museum that preserves and displays buildings that were actually used as Abashiri Prison during the Meiji era. It has long been known as a filming location for the movie series "Abashiri Prison," and more recently, it has seen an increase in visitors due to the influence of the popular manga and anime "Golden Kamuy." If toy handcuffs are sold as a regular souvenir, it's no wonder people get caught at security...

What is the "Prison Food Experience" at Abashiri Prison?

The "Prison Cafeteria" can be accessed without entering the Abashiri Prison Museum.

While the historic buildings and exhibits are the main attractions of the Abashiri Prison Museum, another popular topic is the "Prison Food Experience." This menu recreates the meals actually served at Abashiri Prison and has a reputation for being "surprisingly delicious."

"Prison Meal B" with Pacific saury (¥950, tax included)

There are two menu options to choose from, one with Pacific saury (sanma) and the other with Okhotsk atka mackerel (hokke) as the main dish. The meal is simple, consisting of barley rice (30% barley, 70% white rice), grilled fish, a small side dish, a medium side dish, and miso soup. Apparently, in the actual prison, roasted green tea (bancha) is served instead of miso soup. As for the taste, you'll have to visit and try it for yourself.

"Prison Meal A" with Okhotsk atka mackerel (¥950, tax included)

Beware of Handcuff Souvenirs! Enjoy a Safe Trip from Memanbetsu Airport

Be careful when buying souvenirs at the Abashiri Prison Museum!

Memanbetsu Airport is known for its high passenger satisfaction and is particularly bustling with tourists during the drift ice season. If you purchase "handcuffs" as a souvenir at the Abashiri Prison Museum, remember to put them in your checked baggage, as they will be flagged by security if you try to carry them on. Enjoy the unique experiences and souvenirs Hokkaido has to offer, and have a safe and pleasant journey!