Hours of
Location
Visitor
Journey into the heart of Ainu culture.
Located on the tranquil shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park is one of the places where the vibrant Ainu culture thrives today.
The Ainu are an indigenous people from the Northern region of Japan, and “Upopoy” translates to “singing together in a large group” in the Ainu language.
Visit Upopoy and journey into the heart of Ainu culture.
THE AINU LANGUAGE
irankarapte (Traditional Ainu greeting)
Let me touch your heart softly
Ainu | Human being
The Ainu are an indigenous people originating from the northern stretches of the Japanese archipelago, particularly Hokkaido.
What sets them apart? They have their own language, different from Japanese, and their own history and ways of life.
Engage in Ainu cultural activities
Exhibitions, performances, workshops – there is always something exciting happening at Upopoy.
The spirits of Ainu
At the center of Ainu culture are kamuy, the revered spirit-deities.
Ainu spirituality is deeply rooted in the belief that spirits dwell in every part of the natural world.
A haven of
natural beauty
Enjoy both culture and nature at the National Ainu Park, an interactive open-air center with a variety of hands-on activities.
The park’s layout and architecture reflect the Ainu’s reverence for nature, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly spaces.
National Ainu Park
Learn about Ainu culture and history in a captivating open-air setting, surrounded by nature.
kotan,Traditional Ainu Village
This area features a group of reconstructed cise (houses), where you can experience a traditional Ainu living space. Explore inside the buildings and listen to talks about the lives and culture of the Ainu people who lived in cise.
Crafts Studio
Dive deeper into the artistic side of Ainu culture. Observe the intricate art of Ainu woodcarving and embroidery, then join in the craft workshops to try it yourself.
National Ainu Museum
Japan’s northernmost national museum and the first one dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people.
Memorial Site
Dignified memorial services by the Ainu people
Cultural Exchange Hall
Watch mukkuri(a kind of mouth harp) music and traditional Ainu dance − designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties in Japan – together with other traditional Ainu performing arts recognized by UNESCO as elements of intangible cultural heritage.
Workshop
This facility hosts activities for school groups, cooking workshops and an archery experience.
Path to the Ainu Spirit
Adorned with images of trees and animals, this corridor feels like a trail through the forest, representing the importance that Ainu culture places on coexisting with nature and offering a hint of the beautiful scenery you’ll see when you turn the corner and enter Upopoy.
Gateway Square
Located at the end of the Gateway Square, this open-air space is a place to enjoy eating, drinking, and shopping.
Entrance Center
In addition to the ticket office, the information desk and a rest area, the Entrance Center has a shop with a range of Ainu crafts and other items that make perfect souvenirs. Enjoy Ainu cuisine at a restaurant with panoramic views, or choose from the extensive menu at the food court.
Virtual Upopoy 360°
Take a virtual stroll
through Upopoy with 360° views.
A gateway to Hokkaido
Your journey through Hokkaido finds its essential first stop in Upopoy.
Upopoy’s location makes it the ideal starting point to discover the region’s natural wonders like Noboribetsu and Lake Toya, along with other Ainu cultural facilities.
Our Location
There are many ways to get to Upopoy.
View this page to learn all the information on different transportation options from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.
An educational adventure
Upopoy is dedicated to sharing the history and culture of the Ainu people through engaging exhibits and interactive workshops.
Discover the six core themes of Ainu culture showcased in the National Ainu Museum’s permanent exhibition, exploring the language, the Ainu universe, lives, history, work and cultural interaction.
National Ainu Museum
Curated displays tell the vibrant history and practices of the Ainu people.
Explore captivating exhibits showcasing the Ainu way of life, and immerse yourself in the stories through short films screened in our theater.
A living legacy
Upopoy is “a Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony”. It is a key government initiative for the propagation of Ainu culture, initiated under the “the Council for Ainu Policy Promotion.” Upopoy seeks to both preserve and celebrate the Ainu legacy.
Upopoy serves as a national center for the revival and development of Ainu culture, an invaluable culture in Japan,that is at risk of extinction. Upopoy is dedicated to honoring Ainu traditions, safeguarding their dignity for future generations, and sharing our diverse lifeways and experiences to creat of a community enriched.
A culinary journey
Experience local cuisine at Upopoy’s restaurant and food court.
Indulge in delicious dishes and beverages made using traditional methods and ingredients.
A piece of culture
Take away with you a memory of modern Ainu culture.
Explore authentic Ainu crafts made by artisans from diverse regions, discover Ainu-themed books, and find unique souvenirs at one of our shops.
Be part of the
Ainu story
Participate in our mission to preserve and promote Ainu culture, ensuring it continues to be passed down for generations to come.
How to purchase tickets
There are several options to purchase one-day tickets to access the wonders of Upopoy:
- Online using the Book Tickets Online button below
- You can also reserve a timed-entry museum pass (free of charge) in advance to ensure that you get to see the museum exhibition at a specific time on a specific date.
- Directly at the ticket desk on the day of your visit
- Using ticket vending machines
- At convenience stores. For details, click here.