What other travelers are saying about Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Upopoy is great fun and educational. It combines traditional museums with experiences including carving, music, dance and embroidery to name a few. The staff is kind and there seem to be limited foreigners to visit. It can be difficult to get to with public transportation but it is worth a visit.
Highly recommend. The train to Shiraoi is covered under the JR rail pass, so we didn't have to pay separate for transportation. We chose to go here over the koten village more north as its much more accessible, especially with time constraints. Everyone was extremely friendly and we were actively included in experiences. There are several love demonstrations throughout the day and effort was put into English translations for for displays (staff was also very kind and went out of their way for us in speaking english/ using translating apps) to make sure we understood everything.
Absolutely stunning setting, expertly crafted exhibits that were informative, with a powerful point of view and really enriched my understanding of the culture. I only wish I'd budgeted more time for this. Its convience minutes away from a JR station made it easy to slot into my itinerary as quicker mid-morning stop on my way to catch the Shinkensen in Hakodate.
I visited on the Cultural day so it was free!!!
I didn’t expect to get free access but seems a lucky day indeed. The artists were good at reflecting the Ainu culture through costumes, dances, musical instruments & so many things. It is better if you go there in the morning. Check the JR schedule & make plans ahead of visiting there otherwise you’ve to wait long time for the train. Definitely a place worth visiting.
We found this museum to be truly exceptional. It not only provides a lot of knowledge about the Ainu and their past and present culture but is is also very interactive and immersive. We saw a dance and music show in the grand hall that was very impressive and loved walking the reconstructed Ainu houses. When looking for English books on Ainu, two ladies in the library went out of their way to help us. Also there are numerous good eating options and two sizeable gift shops.
The Ainu are the Indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin, with a distinct language, culture, and spiritual traditions separate from mainstream Japanese culture. Upopoy is Japan's first national facility dedicated to preserving and promoting Ainu heritage, opened in 2020 following official government recognition of the Ainu as Indigenous people in 2019. The facility plays a crucial role in cultural revitalization efforts and educating the public about Ainu history and traditions.
A comprehensive visit to Upopoy typically requires 3 to 4 hours. This allows sufficient time to explore the National Ainu Museum exhibits, watch traditional performance demonstrations in the park, visit the recreated kotan village, and walk around Lake Poroto. Visitors interested in participating in craft workshops or attending multiple cultural programs may want to allocate a full day.
Yes, Upopoy provides English language support for international visitors. The National Ainu Museum offers English audio guides and English signage throughout the exhibits. Some informational materials and brochures are available in English, and the official website includes English content. However, most cultural demonstrations and performances are conducted in Japanese or Ainu, though basic English explanations may be provided.
Photography policies vary within the facility. In the National Ainu Museum, photography is generally prohibited in exhibition areas to protect artifacts and respect cultural sensitivities. However, photography is typically allowed in the outdoor National Ainu Park, including the traditional village area and around Lake Poroto. Visitors should always check for posted signs and follow staff instructions regarding photography in specific areas.
Yes, Upopoy is family-friendly and offers engaging experiences for children. The facility includes interactive exhibits in the museum designed to help younger visitors understand Ainu culture through hands-on learning. Children can enjoy watching traditional dance performances, exploring the recreated village, and participating in age-appropriate craft workshops. The outdoor park setting with lake views provides space for families to walk and relax. Children under 6 years old receive free admission, and discounted rates apply for elementary through high school students.
