In 2007, the Ainu, an ethnic group who are native to northern Japan, were finally recognised by UNESCO as indigenous people. In 2019, the Ainu Measures Protection Act was passed in Japan, which meant that the national government had a responsibility to protect and promote Ainu culture. Across Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, visitors can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Japan’s indigenous culture through various museums, cultural centres and communities which celebrate Ainu heritage and traditions.

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan
The largest Ainu Kotan (village) in Hokkaido, the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan offers visitors the unique opportunity to immerse in the unique indigenous culture of the island. With shops selling traditional wooden crafts and restaurants serving Ainu cuisine, a stop at the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan is not to be missed. The village fully demonstrates the spirit of “six” (an important number in the Ainu culture), referring to practices – interact, create, eat, inherit, release and live with nature.

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan also houses the Akanko Ainu Theatre Ikor which is dedicated to preserving and passing on Ainu history and tradition through traditional performances. Be sure to catch Lost Kamuy, a unique performance which combines Ainu ancient ceremonial dance (a registered UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) with digital art and contemporary dance. Book a stay at the nearby New Akan Hotel for spectacular lakefront views with room rates from £110 per night.

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park opened its doors in July 2020 in the small town of Shiraoi, home to one of several active Ainu communities in Hokkaido. The name “Upopoy” means “singing in a large group”, symbolising the facility’s mission to provide a space for people to gather and learn as a community. The main facility – the museum – offers visitors the opportunity to explore Ainu culture through the six themes of Language, Universe, Lives, History, Work and Exchange.

The museum also features Tempatempa (“touch and feel them” in Ainu), an interactive space where visitors can engage with Ainu culture through models, dioramas and puzzles. On the western side of the facility is the Cultural Exchange Hall where visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, including an Ainu ancient rite dance which is designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Book a stay at the nearby KAI Poroto hot spring ryokan which honours the Ainu people through its architecture, design and decor. Room rates from £184 per night.

Biratori Municipal Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
Gain a deeper understanding of Hokkaido through the culture of its original people, the Ainu. Dedicated to protecting treasures of Ainu culture and preserving them for future generations, the Biratori Municipal Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum is located in Nibutani, a town which today houses the largest concentrations of Ainu in Japan.

Here, visitors can explore nearly 1,000 different exhibitions spanning four zones – the Ainu Zone, The Ainu Way of Life; the Kamuy Zone, Dramas of the Gods; the Mosir Zone, Blessings of the Earth; and the Morew Zone, A Tradition of Figurative Art. Book a stay at the nearby Biratori Onsen Yukara with room rates from £108 per night.

Sapporo Pirka Kotan
The Sapporo Pirka Kotan is an Ainu Culture Promotion Centre featuring interactive exhibitions of over 300 items including traditional Ainu crafts, clothing and tools – the first of its kind in Japan. The centre also hosts various ceremonies and cultural events throughout the year which travellers can attend for free, giving visitors a deeper insight into the lifestyle and culture of Hokkaido’s original inhabitants. Those who’d like to try their hand at traditional crafts can also book workshops that teach the making of Mukkuri – an Ainu instrument – as well as traditional Ainu embroidery. These classes require advance reservations and guests are responsible for material fees. Book a stay at the nearby Yuen Sapporo Onsen Ryokan with room rates from £126 per night.