Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)

This area features a group of reconstructed cise (houses), where you can experience a traditional Ainu living space. In addition to exploring the area and taking part in ceremonies, you can try on traditional clothing.

• • Life

  Cultural Program "upaskuma" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Poro cise (Big House)

  

  Experience Ainu culture through upaskuma (passing down of wisdom) covering life in a kotan (traditional Ainu village) and songs and dances that have been passed down through the generations.

• • Performing Arts

  Oral Literature Performance "newsar=an ro" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Poro cise (Big House)

  

  Gather around the hearth to enjoy tales and lyrical songs from the everyday lives of Ainu people in the past.

• • Performing Arts

  Performing Arts Workshop "upopo a=ki ro" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Sinot cise (Activity House)

  

  Upopoy means "singing together in a large group." Let’s sing upopo, traditional Ainu songs, together!

• • Children's Program

  Family Program "Pon Theater" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Sinot cise (Activity House)

  

  Discover the relationship between the Ainu and the kamuy (spirit-deities) and enjoy learning about Ainu lives past and present through a paper theater show.

• • Language

  Ainu Language Program "pirka! BINGO a=ki ro" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Sinot cise (Activity House)

  

  Discover some of the basics of Ainu language through a children’s bingo game unique to Upopoy. Everyone who participates receives a special gift!

• • Language

  Ainu Language Program "aynuitak ari a=ye ro" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Sinot cise (Activity House)

  

  Learn everyday phrases in Ainu, along with the proper pronunciation. You'll even receive a free gift!

• • Life

  Dugout Canoe Demonstration and Talk (Held around May to September.)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Beach Area

  

  See how Ainu people row a cip (dugout canoe) and learn about the role these boats played in traditional Ainu life.

• • Life

  Archery Experience "aksinot" (4/1-10/31)

  • Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
  • -Outdoor

  

  Try a traditional Ainu game that uses a bow and arrow. These arrows are blunt, so they’re a fun and safe way for people of all ages to learn archery.