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.
Important Announcements
- Changes to activities
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Explanation of the Ainu Culture and Way of Life: Stories of the Kotan
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
In this recreation of a traditional Ainu kotan (village), you’ll hear about the traditional Ainu houses (cise) in the Shiraoi area and other aspects of Ainu life, along with the Ainu people’s connection with spirit-deities (kamuy).
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Who is TureppoN?
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
Learn about turep (giant lily bulbs) and their role in the lives of the Ainu based on TureppoN, the mascot of Upopoy. TureppoN herself might even make an appearance!
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Spring-bow Demonstration and Talk
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
In the past, the Ainu people hunted with bows and traps. As you watch this demonstration, you’ll learn about the structure of the tools, where they are used and how the methods are adapted for each animal.
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Dugout Canoe Demonstration and Talk
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
See a cip (dugout canoe) that was built by Upopoy staff and placed on Lake Poroto and learn about the role these boats played in traditional Ainu life.
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See Inside a Cise
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
As you look inside a cise(traditional Ainu house), you’ll hear audio explanations about household traditions, connections with kamuy (spirit-deities) and living in a cise.
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Cise Building Exhibition
- Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village)
See reconstructions of cise (houses), built using traditional architectural techniques. This exhibition offers an up-close view of a cise, including the interior, the thatched roof and columns that cannot usually be seen. (Safety measures such as scaffolding and safety belts are used.)