{"id":9843,"date":"2026-03-14T11:37:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T02:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/?p=9843"},"modified":"2026-03-24T13:43:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T04:43:55","slug":"upopoy-national-ainu-museum-and-park-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/2026\/03\/upopoy-national-ainu-museum-and-park-video\/","title":{"rendered":"Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park video"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ainu dances and Upopoy explained \u30a6\u30dd\u30dd\u30a4\u3068\u30a2\u30a4\u30cc\u53e4\u5f0f\u821e\u8e0a\" width=\"880\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yxn0KJ6v564?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My video explains about Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, Japan. Focuses on traditional Ainu music and dances. Helps you to better understand what&#8217;s what before you visit Upopoy or see Ainu dances. Ainu dances were filmed at Upopoy, Tokyo Big Sight (Tourism Expo Japan 2024), and Shiraoi Port.<br>Video link: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;<strong>Upopoy<\/strong>&#8221; is the nickname for the <strong>National Ainu Museum and Park<\/strong> which opened in Shiraoi, Hokkaido in July 2020. It means &#8220;singing together in a large group.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upopoy is Japan&#8217;s largest Ainu tourist attraction and research facility. It&#8217;s a large, complex of buildings spread out in a scenic lakeside park. There&#8217;s the National Ainu Museum, traditional Ainu village called &#8220;Kotan,&#8221; Cultural Exchange Hall for daily dance performances, Crafts studio demonstrating Ainu handicrafts, and workshop buildings for hands-on workshops. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aab6fc7943bd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aab6fc7943bd\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"upopoy map\" class=\"wp-image-9844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas-400x265.jpg 400w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/20260130_0144aas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Circled in red are the places where you can see Ainu dance performances at the Cultural Exchange Hall and Kotan village. Click to enlarge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This video first gives a basic overview of Upopoy so you will know what&#8217;s what when you visit. There&#8217;s a lot to see and do, but the main attraction is the traditional music and dance performances which this video focuses on. Any first-time visit to Hokkaido should include Upopoy. It&#8217;s not too far from Sapporo or Shin-Chitose Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan6.jpg\" alt=\"Kotan Ainu village.\" class=\"wp-image-9855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan6-400x207.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kotan Ainu village.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan2.jpg\" alt=\"Inside an Ainu house.\" class=\"wp-image-9852\" style=\"width:700px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan2-400x207.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside an Ainu house.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Ainu<\/strong> are an indigenous people mostly in Hokkaido. Their culture and language have had a strong influence in Hokkaido, especially in Hokkaido place names. Ainu culture and language are totally different from Japanese culture and language, so it&#8217;s quite fascinating. Ainu culture is also getting mainstream attention thanks to a popular manga, anime, and live action film called &#8220;Golden kamuy.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shiraoi<\/strong> is a Pacific coastal town in southwestern Hokkaido where the Ainu have long lived. Early Ainu were attracted to Shiraoi&#8217;s ocean, rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. It was a rich natural environment for hunting and harvesting whatever they needed for daily living. They believed everything in nature had its own deity, so it was a sacred place. However, the traditional Ainu way of life is no more. Nobody lives in thatch houses anymore. Most all Ainu today live a modern life like any normal Japanese. The stereotypical, old photos of Ainu you see are also long past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ainu are an indigenous people originally living in northern Honshu, Hokkaido, Sakhalin, and the Kuril islands. They have their own culture, customs, language, and beliefs. &#8220;Ainu&#8221; literally means &#8220;humans&#8221; in contrast to &#8220;kamuy&#8221; divine spirits or deities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Video Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About Upopoy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preview&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>About Upopoy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=LHuNMsnNNblYHOmf&amp;t=167\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=LHuNMsnNNblYHOmf&amp;t=167<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>About the Ainu&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=uD3eHM6-f2jZOMRI&amp;t=219\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=uD3eHM6-f2jZOMRI&amp;t=219<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shiraoi Poroto Kotan&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=-f-VlDpl1gX0mLd9&amp;t=366\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=-f-VlDpl1gX0mLd9&amp;t=366<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Ainu Museum&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zhJZuZ3E0GjXcqA6&amp;t=393\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zhJZuZ3E0GjXcqA6&amp;t=393<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural Exchange Hall&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=URfc9ILwZXNlpx0j&amp;t=494\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=URfc9ILwZXNlpx0j&amp;t=494<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crafts Studio&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=78GRj82jowoUPTtY&amp;t=548\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=78GRj82jowoUPTtY&amp;t=548<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workshops&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=Pt_vN83KcEdlkK8z&amp;t=575\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=Pt_vN83KcEdlkK8z&amp;t=575<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eateries&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=kR7O1-eaV2R-yMYk&amp;t=605\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=kR7O1-eaV2R-yMYk&amp;t=605<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ainu performances at Upopoy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About Ainu dances&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=KOwzLT9Th1DIJRvg&amp;t=634\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=KOwzLT9Th1DIJRvg&amp;t=634<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kotan Ainu village&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=stm9fby7csf51NVK&amp;t=710\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=stm9fby7csf51NVK&amp;t=710<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kotan presentation at poro cise (Big House)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=D5xhekVF2xl1AJ4U&amp;t=816\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=D5xhekVF2xl1AJ4U&amp;t=816<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mukkuri mouth harp&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zUbQBEZ2KecpAKf9&amp;t=1159\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zUbQBEZ2KecpAKf9&amp;t=1159<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tonkori zither&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=DH9Hfzk8gkgj_rkd&amp;t=1335\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=DH9Hfzk8gkgj_rkd&amp;t=1335<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tonkori Heciri (dance)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=d86Cpk5_HSQNNwWe&amp;t=1484\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=d86Cpk5_HSQNNwWe&amp;t=1484<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>iyomante rimse (dance)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=yhckGsQJKE_PkWb0&amp;t=1646\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=yhckGsQJKE_PkWb0&amp;t=1646<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tourism Expo Japan 2024<\/strong> (Tokyo Big Sight)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mukkuri mouth harp&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=7XpiizQxpr43XMIM&amp;t=1802\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=7XpiizQxpr43XMIM&amp;t=1802<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crane Dance&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=vyz6IUU5hezV6Bva&amp;t=1989\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=vyz6IUU5hezV6Bva&amp;t=1989<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sword Dance&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=EpDVglJx8i0ovqu1&amp;t=2119\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=EpDVglJx8i0ovqu1&amp;t=2119<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>About iyomante ceremony&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=lJyyjVlGGM5QpuiV&amp;t=2236\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=lJyyjVlGGM5QpuiV&amp;t=2236<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iyomante rimse (dance)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=utmNVglHNqjCFFkX&amp;t=2427\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=utmNVglHNqjCFFkX&amp;t=2427<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shiraoi Port, Hokkaido<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Upopoy prayers&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zEGTgLcr00l0K5tC&amp;t=2585\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=zEGTgLcr00l0K5tC&amp;t=2585<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yai-sama-nena (Impromptu Song)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=GddE6WTT3WIr090u&amp;t=2708\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=GddE6WTT3WIr090u&amp;t=2708<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pirka Song&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=g2aBZt5v_QP5JpZQ&amp;t=2799\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=g2aBZt5v_QP5JpZQ&amp;t=2799<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duo mukkur mouth harp (Bon voyage)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=tB40kwcQRdukWjt6&amp;t=2878\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yxn0KJ6v564?si=tB40kwcQRdukWjt6&amp;t=2878<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upopoy Visitors&#8217; Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allow as much time as you can (preferably the entire day) at Upopoy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I spent the entire day there and still couldn&#8217;t see or do everything.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before entering Upopoy, buy takeout food outside the entrance. (No eateries inside the park as of Jan. 2026.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After entering Upopoy, go to the Cultural Exchange Hall&#8217;s ticket booth to get free tickets for scheduled dance performances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check program times at the kotan village (especially poro cise).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For hands-on activities, workshops, and lessons, see the official website for the day&#8217;s schedule. <a href=\"https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/ainu-upopoy.jp\/en\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Upopoy in winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Closing time (usually 5 pm) is earlier than in warmer months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shiraoi gets less snow than Sapporo, so it&#8217;s easier to get around.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even with snow, the staff will clear the snow from the park&#8217;s main walking paths, so it&#8217;s usually not a problem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you wear spikes on your shoes, you need to take them off in the museum, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In winter, most things are held indoors. In warmer months, there are outdoor activities and dances performed on the outdoor stage in the kotan village.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fewer visitors in winter, so easier to see everything.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan1.jpg\" alt=\"Short talk about Ainu homes inside poro cise.\" class=\"wp-image-9851\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan1-400x224.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Short talk about Ainu homes inside poro cise.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan4.jpg\" alt=\"Mukkuri mouth harp.\" class=\"wp-image-9854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan4-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mukkuri<\/em> mouth harp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan3.jpg\" alt=\"Tonkori zither\" class=\"wp-image-9853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan3-400x207.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tonkori zither<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-tickets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-tickets.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-tickets-400x224.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Upopoy main entrance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can buy Upopoy tickets at the entrance when you arrive. You can also buy advance tickets online from the official website and get a discount. <a href=\"https:\/\/onlineticket-upopoy.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/onlineticket-upopoy.jp\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Upopoy<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions1-400x224.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upopoy is near JR Shiraoi Station.<br>From JR Sapporo Station, about 1 hr by limited express train.<br>From Shin-Chitose Airport, about 40 min.<br>From JR Hakodate Station, about 3 hr.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9846\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions2-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Limited express train (<em>tokkyu<\/em>) on the JR Muroran Line.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions4-400x226.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JR Shiraoi Station has lockers for most luggage sizes. Use \u00a5100 coins.<br>The station does not have a gift shop.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions5-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After exiting JR Shiraoi Station, go right, enter this door and go up the stairs or elevator to the pedestrian bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions6-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk through the &#8220;Free Passage&#8221; to the north exit of the station.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions7.jpg 700w, https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-directions7-400x225.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the north exit, short walk (600 m) to Upopoy. Just follow the signs.<br>If you come by car, Upopoy has parking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upopoy is also near Shiraoi Port where cruise ships can dock for a day trip by chartered bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Ainu Vocabulary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upopoy uses the Ainu language to name their facilities, activities, and things. The Japanese equivalent is in <em>katakana<\/em>. Ainu language romanization is slightly different from the Hepburn system. English also usually provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ainu &#8211; humans, name of indigenous people in Hokkaido<br>kamuy &#8211; god\/goddess, deity (pronounced &#8220;kamui&#8221;)<br>Upopoy &#8211; Nickname of National Ainu Museum and Park, meaning \u201csinging together in a large group.&#8221;<br>kotan &#8211; Traditional Ainu village<br>cise &#8211; Traditional Ainu house (pronounced &#8220;chee-say&#8221;)<br>rimse &#8211; singing dance<br>iran-karapte &#8211; Hello, greetings, konnichiwa<br>mukkuri &#8211; mouth harp<br>tonkori &#8211; zither<br>iyomante &#8211; Bear spirit send-off ceremony<br>kamuy mosir &#8211; divine world of deities<br>Ainu mosir &#8211; world of humans<br>Ezo &#8211; former name of Hokkaido until 1869 poroto &#8211; big lake<br>iya-irai-ke-re! &#8211; Thank you!<br>-betsu or -nai &#8211; river (found in many Hokkaido place names such as Noboribetsu)<br>wajin &#8211; Japanese people from Japanese mainland<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Upopoy&#8221; is the nickname for the National Ainu Museum and Park which opened in Shiraoi, Hokkaido in July 2020. It means &#8220;singing together in a large group.&#8221; Upopoy is Japan&#8217;s largest Ainu tourist attraction and research facility. It&#8217;s a large,&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9855,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,59],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-hokkaido"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upopoy-kotan6.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9843"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9843\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9861,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9843\/revisions\/9861"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9843"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9843"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/photoguide.jp\/log\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}