[2025 Shiraoi Attraction] Travel Guide for National Ainu Museum (Updated Jul)

"Upopoy (Imaginary Space for Ethnic Coexistence)" is a facility where you can learn about Ainu culture that opened in Shiraoi-cho, Hokkaido in July 2020. I couldn't get the commercial "Upopoy, Upopoy~♫" that was playing when it first opened out of my head, so I finally made it here🤣 Please note that you need to pay a timed admission fee to enter the National Ainu Museum! The museum provides detailed explanations of the Ainu history and lifestyle, making it easy to understand even for beginners to Ainu culture. The Ainu song and dance shows were also interesting, as they were all things I had never seen before. You can also eat stylish game dishes at the attached restaurant "Haruranna"🦌 📍 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #Game #trip2022

#springitinerary The National Ainu Museum up in Hokkaido is an awesome deep dive into Japan’s Indigenous culture, and honestly, it’s way more interesting than your average museum trip. The space is super modern and interactive, with exhibits that actually pull you in instead of just throwing info at you. You’ll learn about the Ainu people’s way of life, language, music, clothing, and their deep connection with nature. The storytelling is top-notch, and there are hands-on displays, videos, and even performances that bring it all to life. The museum sits by a beautiful lake, so the whole area feels peaceful and rooted in nature, which fits the vibe perfectly. It’s not just educational, it’s genuinely eye-opening and respectful of a culture that’s been underrepresented for a long time. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, this place is 100% worth the trip. It’s fresh, meaningful, and super well done.

#0yentravel At Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence, I was able to experience Ainu culture and history in depth. The museum carefully introduced their lifestyle, language, and beliefs, and I was particularly impressed by the sound of the mukkuri and the ancient dance. Outside, a traditional house called a cise was reproduced, and I was able to experience the way of life of people who have lived in harmony with nature. Every exhibit and experience seemed to speak to me quietly, and I felt the depth of the culture. During my trip to Hokkaido, the time I spent here was very memorable.

The National Ainu Museum is located inside the Upopoy Ethnic Coexistence Symbolic Space facility. This is included in the admission fee to Upopoy, so you can enter for free. The first floor has a quiet cafe, library, and souvenir shop, and the second floor is the exhibition room. The main exhibition room introduces the Ainu people under six themes: "Language," "World," "Life," "History," "Work," and "Exchange," which was very interesting. 2-3-1 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 9:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays. #Domestic travel #Museum #Ainu culture

I went to the National Ainu Museum in Shiraoi. I made a reservation in advance and was able to enter smoothly! If you have time to go, I recommend making a reservation by the day before! The National Ainu Museum is inside Upopoy, so don't forget to make a reservation for Upopoy! Inside, there are many things to learn, including the permanent exhibition, and I would like to go back and see it again at my own pace. The special exhibition was about Ainu costumes, and I enjoyed a lot of things from history to design. It may be a little difficult for children, but they looked at them and enjoyed them, saying how beautiful they were. Until July 15, 2022... Weekdays 9:00-18:00 Weekends and holidays 9:00-20:00 Closed on Mondays (if a holiday or public holiday falls on a Monday, the following weekday) 2-3-1 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #gw2022jp #Hokkaido trip