Immerse in the rich traditions and culture of Hokkaido's indigenous population

"Experience first hand the unique culture of the Ainu, who are the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Upopoy – which means “singing in a large group” – is a facility dedicated to traditional Ainu performing arts, food culture, and craft production.

You can learn how to make and play traditional Ainu musical instruments, try Ainu cooking using seasonal ingredients, experience Ainu embroidery, and try your hand at archery. The museum showcases Ainu culture under six themes: language, world, life, history, work, and exchange. Enjoy traditional songs and dances, short films of traditional Ainu stories, and a dynamic projection mapping of Ainu creation myths.

Outside the museum, the Kotan (Traditional Ainu Village) allows you to get inside a traditional Ainu home, and learn about the people's connection to spirit deities they call “kamuy.” You can rent audio equipment and download a free audio guide to explore the facility. Upopoy has plenty of programs for both children and adults to participate in."