[spring][ Hokkaido Shiraoi Town] Ainu Museum Cultural Experience
Located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) is a valuable facility where you can experience the diversity of Japanese culture. Opened in 2020, this museum is the first national Ainu museum established in Japan and focuses on the history and culture of the Ainu people. Upopoy (meaning "singing and dancing") was established with the aim of preserving and spreading Ainu culture. The museum features a variety of exhibits that introduce the lives, spiritual culture, and history of the Ainu people. Through the Ainu language, Ainu patterns, and crafts that symbolize a life in harmony with nature, visitors can experience the unique culture. In addition, it provides an opportunity to reconsider Ainu culture from a modern perspective, and is a place that makes you think deeply about the importance of multicultural coexistence. The exhibits at Upopoy are designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. For example, there are experience-based exhibits and interactive corners that utilize digital technology, so even those who are not familiar with history and culture can naturally become interested in them. Furthermore, by learning about the wisdom and techniques that the Ainu people have used to live in coexistence with nature, you may gain insight into environmental protection and sustainable living in modern society.
Basic information about the Ainu Museum and its attractions
Located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) is a valuable facility where you can experience the diversity of Japanese culture. Opened in 2020, this museum is the first national Ainu museum established in Japan and focuses on the history and culture of the Ainu people. Upopoy (meaning "singing and dancing") was established with the aim of preserving and spreading Ainu culture. The museum features a variety of exhibits that introduce the lives, spiritual culture, and history of the Ainu people. Through the Ainu language, Ainu patterns, and crafts that symbolize a life in harmony with nature, visitors can experience the unique culture. In addition, it provides an opportunity to reconsider Ainu culture from a modern perspective, and is a place that makes you think deeply about the importance of multicultural coexistence. The exhibits at Upopoy are designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. For example, there are experience-based exhibits and interactive corners that utilize digital technology, so even those who are not familiar with history and culture can naturally become interested in them. Furthermore, by learning about the wisdom and techniques that the Ainu people have used to live in coexistence with nature, you may gain insight into environmental protection and sustainable living in modern society.
Enjoy Ainu culture experience programs at Upopoy
One of the greatest attractions of the Ainu Museum is the many programs that allow you to experience Ainu culture, not just look at the exhibits. Various activities are available inside and outside the museum, including traditional Ainu dance and music, and craft-making experiences. Particularly popular is the experience of playing the traditional Ainu musical instrument, the mukkuri. The mukkuri is a simple instrument made of bamboo, but its sound is reminiscent of the sounds of nature and is said to have a relaxing effect. Workshops where you can learn how to make an instrument while playing it are very popular with both adults and children. In addition, craft experiences such as Ainu embroidery and wood carving are also popular with visitors. Each Ainu pattern has a meaning, and you can learn the cultural story behind it in the process of making it. Taking home your own original work will make your travel memories even more special. In addition, don't miss the regular performances of traditional dance and oral literature. Songs and dances, which were part of the life of the Ainu people, express gratitude and prayer to nature. They are reproduced as modern performances and leave a deep impression on visitors.
Access to the Ainu Museum and the best time to visit
The National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) is located in Shiraoi Town, a tourist destination in Hokkaido, and its easy access is one of its attractions. It can be reached in about an hour by car from New Chitose Airport, or in about an hour and 20 minutes by express train from JR Sapporo Station. It is about a 10-minute walk from the station, making it convenient for travelers using public transportation. It is recommended to visit from spring to autumn. During this time, the nature around the museum is beautiful, making it the perfect time to experience the rich environment of Hokkaido that the Ainu people have cherished. You can enjoy the fresh greenery in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn, and you will be able to feel the idea of coexistence with nature that you learned at the museum. We also recommend that you set aside enough time when visiting the museum. There are many exhibits and experience programs available within the facility, and it is ideal to spend at least half a day enjoying them. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy Shiraoi beef and hot spring facilities nearby, so combining them with other sightseeing will make your trip even more fulfilling. There are also natural and tourist spots such as Lake Poroto and Shiraoi Onsen scattered around Upopoy. In addition to the cultural experience at the museum, you can also fully experience the charm of Shiraoi town as a whole, which is sure to make your trip to Hokkaido an even more special memory.
[Traditional Culture Experience]Other recommended spots
Ainu Museum Cultural Experience
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About 10 minutes walk from JR Shiraoi Station
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Get off at the Hakodate Bus "Matsushiro Bus Stop" and walk for about 10 minutes
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Subway: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from "Maruyama Koen Station" on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line Bus: Take the city bus or bankei bus (Maruyama Line) to the "Jingumae" stop, then walk for 1 minute Car: Approximately 30 minutes from "Sapporo Minami IC" on the Do-o Expressway
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Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Shin-Sapporo Station (Tozai Subway Line or JR Chitose Line)
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From JR Sapporo Station, walk through the underground walkway "Chikaho" towards Odori for about 10 minutes. Use Exit 9.
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About 10 minutes by bus from JR Abashiri Station (take the "Tourist Facilities" bus and get off at "Abashiri Prison Museum")