Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
About This Destination
Every label in the National Ainu Museum starts in the Ainu language, written in katakana, with Japanese and other languages after it, and the commentary in the galleries comes from Ainu speakers from different regions, each in their own dialect. That choice sets the tone for Upopoy, which opened in July 2020 as the national centre for Ainu history and culture after a three-month delay for COVID-19. Outside, a reconstructed kotan of thatched chise houses lines the shore of Lake Poroto, the Uekari Chise hall stages traditional dance, which is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, and in the Ikar Ushi workshop staff carve wood and embroider while you watch, or let you try the mukkuri jaw harp. Adult entry is 1,200 yen, high school students pay 600 yen and younger children go in free, but paid hands-on programmes and the museum's special exhibitions cost extra. One place deserves quiet: about 1.2 km away on a hill, the Memorial Site holds Ainu remains once taken by Japanese universities that cannot yet be returned to their communities. Plan for a whole day, and remember the park shuts on Mondays.
Location
Prefecture: Hokkaido
Address: Shiraoi, Hokkaido, Japan
Nearest Station: Shiraoi Station
Closed: Closed on Mondays (the next weekday when Monday is a holiday), over the New Year from December 28 to January 4, and for about ten days in late February and early March. A few Mondays a year it opens anyway; check the calendar on the official site.
Hours note: 9:00 to 18:00 from April to October and 9:00 to 17:00 from November to March. Last entry to the park is one hour before closing, and to the museum 30 minutes before closing.
Best time to visit: Any time of year; allow a full day, and check the closed-day calendar before going
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Access
Hokkaido, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
How much is admission to Upopoy?
1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for high school students; junior high school students and younger go in free. Groups of 10 or more pay 960 and 480 yen. Paid hands-on programmes and the museum's special exhibitions are not included.
When is Upopoy open?
From 9:00 to 18:00 between April and October and from 9:00 to 17:00 between November and March, with last entry an hour before closing. It is closed on Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), from December 28 to January 4 and for a winter break in late February and early March.
How long should I spend at Upopoy?
Most of a day. Between the museum, the kotan, the workshop and the dance performances in the hall there is a lot to see, and the free programmes run at set times, so check the day's timetable at the entrance.
Can I eat at Upopoy?
Yes. There is a restaurant serving ohaw, the Ainu soup, with deer and bear game dishes, a food court with ramen and pork bowls, and two smaller cafes near the Welcome Plaza.
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