Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) is located in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, and is a popular destination where visitors can learn about and experience Ainu culture in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Inside the park, exhibitions introduce the history of the Ainu people, and traditional music and dance performances are held daily.
During the summer vacation period, Upopoy offers a wide range of family-friendly programs, including hands-on craft workshops, traditional Ainu cooking experiences, and educational activities perfect for children’s school projects. Surrounded by rich nature and deep cultural heritage, it is an interactive destination where both children and adults can enjoy a full day of discovery and smiles.
This time, I attended “Spend Your Summer Vacation at Upopoy! 2025” on Saturday, August 16, and would like to share a report from the event.
We also created a video of the Ainu Dugout Canoe & Lantern Festival.(Video length: 1 minute 48 seconds)
Video: Spend Your Summer Vacation at Upopoy! – Ainu Dugout Canoe & Lantern Festival Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0oAeXkUwi0
During the summer vacation period, special events were held from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 17, 2025. Opening hours were extended from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with last admission one hour before closing (7:00 p.m.).
Admission fees were 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for high school students, and free for junior high school students and younger. From 2:00 p.m. onward, admission was half price, making evening visits especially recommended.
At the Experience Learning Center, visitors can enjoy Aksinot, an archery experience inspired by traditional Ainu hunting culture.
There are two options: a playful archery activity and a more authentic experience using traditional-style equipment. In the Ainu language, a bow is called “ku” and an arrow “ay.” Participants hold the bow, aim at a target, and release the arrow under careful staff supervision, making it safe for both children and adults.
The joy of hitting the target, combined with learning about Ainu views of nature and daily life, makes this a memorable cultural experience.
The quiz rally invites visitors to explore the park while answering questions about Ainu history, culture, and nature. By solving quizzes at each checkpoint, participants gain deeper interest in the exhibits and hands-on programs, blending learning with fun.
The quiz rally is available while supplies last (expected to end around late October). Completing all questions earns a small souvenir, making it perfect for summer memories and school projects.
Upopoy also distributes an “Upopoy Worksheet” for children visiting the park. It can be downloaded in advance from the website below and used for pre-visit learning.
https://ainu-upopoy.jp/topics/upopoyworksheet/
The Kamuy Eyes VR program allows visitors to experience the Ainu worldview and their deep respect for Kamuy (deities or spirits) through cutting-edge virtual reality technology.
Wearing VR goggles, participants feel as though they are seeing the world through the eyes of the Kamuy, immersed in rich natural landscapes and spiritual presence. Rather than simply “viewing” exhibits, this experience encourages a deeper understanding of Ainu values—living in harmony with and respecting nature.
At the Ikar Usi workshop, cultural bearers demonstrated traditional techniques, skillfully using needle and thread to create beautiful patterns on fabric. Watching these designs take shape felt like witnessing the Ainu worldview—deeply connected to nature and prayer—come alive.
The artisans warmly answered questions, leaving a strong impression that Ainu culture is not only preserved, but actively lived and passed on today.
During the Dugout Canoe Demonstration, visitors learned about the construction, handling, and uses of traditional canoes—called “chip” in the Ainu language.
Participants were able to touch the canoe and learn about its structure and historical background, gaining insight into Ainu daily life and their wisdom of coexisting with nature. Explanations of carving techniques and paddling methods made Ainu culture feel approachable and familiar.
The Shiraoi Sky Lantern Festival provided a breathtaking finale. As countless lanterns floated up into the night sky, the scene was truly magical.
Participants wrote their wishes on lanterns before releasing them, an experience that captivated both children and adults alike. It was a deeply moving and unforgettable moment—an ideal way to conclude a summer evening and a memorable journey.
At the National Ainu Museum, visitors can currently view exhibitions introducing Ainu culture alongside a rare Ainu collection showcased at the Vienna World Exposition.
Seeing traditional clothing and crafts up close while learning about their history and international recognition was truly impressive. The depth of culture, refined techniques, and strong aesthetic sense left a lasting impression, highlighting the wisdom and beauty of Ainu traditions.
At Upopoy, visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining inspired by Ainu culture. The on-site shop offers a wide selection of traditional crafts and original goods, making them perfect as souvenirs or gifts.
The restaurants and cafés serve dishes and sweets made with Ainu ingredients and recipes, allowing visitors to experience Ainu culture not only through exhibitions, but also through taste and shopping.
Mapcode for Upopoy Parking:545 194 571*70
