Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Upopoy (UP・OPOY / National Ainu Museum and Ethnic Coexistence Park) is a hub for the transmission and dissemination of Ainu culture in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The name "Upopoy" means "a place where everyone sings together" or "singing people" in the Ainu language, and since its opening in 2020, it has been attracting attention both from within Japan and overseas as a facility where you can learn about Ainu history, culture, and life in a comprehensive way.
The museum is home to the National Ainu Museum (exhibition facility), which introduces the Ainu language, crafts, hunting, fishing, and rituals through permanent exhibits and video and audio materials, as well as the Ethnic Coexistence Park (exhibition and experience facility), which features a kotan (village) that recreates a traditional Ainu house, an outdoor stage, and experience programs.The attraction is that you can experience culture with all five senses through traditional performing arts demonstrations, craft experiences, and a restaurant serving Ainu cuisine.
Highlights
- Permanent Exhibition (National Ainu Museum): A systematic display of costumes, tools, crafts, and materials showing history and life. Ainu language, songs, and folklore are introduced through video and audio.
- Outdoor Kotan (village): Exhibits of restored traditional houses and everyday items. Actual living spaces are recreated, allowing you to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
- Traditional Stage and Performance Program: Dances, songs, musical instruments (such as tonkori and mukkuri), and ceremonial introductions are regularly held. Please check the performance schedule.
- Experience Workshop: Craft experiences such as wood carving, embroidery, and accessory making, as well as introductions and tastings of Ainu cuisine (some activities require a fee and reservations).
- Exchange facility and video exhibition room: In addition to being able to learn through detailed explanatory videos and audio materials, special exhibitions and other events are also held regularly.
- Shops and Restaurants: There are restaurants selling Ainu crafts and souvenirs, as well as menus using local ingredients, so you can choose souvenirs and experience Ainu food culture.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station:JR Muroran Main Line Shiraoi Station
- Access from the station:It's generally about a 10-minute taxi ride from Shiraoi Station. Local buses and shuttle buses that operate on limited periods and days of the week may also operate, so be sure to check the timetable and operating information before visiting.
- From the airport:It's about a 30-40 minute drive from New Chitose Airport (depending on traffic conditions). Direct buses and express buses may operate from the airport, so we recommend checking in advance.
- Access by car:Use the Hokkaido Expressway (towards Tomakomai) or the national highway. There is a parking lot on the premises (please check the number of spaces, fees, and congestion status in advance).
- Public transport notice:Routes and times change depending on the season and day of the week, so please refer to the official website or transportation company for the latest information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Museum exhibit only: 1-1.5 hours
- Including outdoor kotan, demonstrations, shops and food and drink: 2-4 hours (half a day to a full day if you participate in workshops or take your time to look around)
- If you plan to combine participating in multiple programs and sightseeing in the surrounding area, it will be more flexible to plan for a full-day course.
Nearby spots
- Lake Utonai (Lake Utonai Quasi-National Park): A nature observation spot known as a stopover for migratory birds, perfect for bird watching.
- Noboribetsu Onsen: A famous hot spring area. It is about 30 minutes by car from Shiraoi, so it is easy to combine sightseeing with a hot spring.
- Shiraoi Beach and Kojohama Beach: An area that can be visited in addition to seafood and hot springs.
- Sightseeing around New Chitose Airport: Easy access from the airport, convenient for shopping, sightseeing, and sightseeing in the surrounding area.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion:It tends to get crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, and weekends over consecutive holidays. Demonstrations and workshops may have limited seating and require numbered tickets, so we recommend arriving early and making reservations in advance.
- Manners:Please respect the culture and people by not touching exhibits or important cultural properties, not taking photos in prohibited areas, and remembering to be considerate of performers and participants. Whether or not you can take photos varies from place to place, so please follow the signs and instructions of staff.
- Words and notations:Ainu culture has its own unique values, so careless expressions and actions that could lead to misunderstandings should be avoided. It is important to approach the event with a humble attitude, as a learning opportunity.
- Seasonal Notes:Hokkaido's climate varies greatly from season to season. Even in summer, it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, and in winter it can be very cold and some outdoor facilities may be closed. Please bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Facilities and services:Restaurants and shops may have to wait when they are busy. Strollers and wheelchairs are generally accommodated, but please check with the facility for details.
- Check for the latest information:Opening hours, admission fees, event schedules, and transportation access are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official website or local information for the latest information before visiting.
Official information (opening hours, admission fees, events, etc.) is subject to change, so please check the latest information on Upopoy's official website or Shiraoi Town's tourist information before visiting.
