Upopoy National Ainu Museum

Temperature – 3

Travelling from Sapporo to Shiraoi offers stunning views of rural Hokkaido. At times, the train runs along the coast, providing excellent opportunities for beautiful photographs. The journey itself made the trip worthwhile, especially since I visited during the winter, immersing myself in a winter wonderland. As I travelled from station to station, I noticed that the snow gradually increased as I left the city behind.

My journey to the Ainu Museum was truly memorable, especially because of the scenic frozen coastline. The snow stretched all the way to the sea, creating a stunning winter landscape. I also appreciated the local trains, which were impressively well-heated, making my travels very comfortable.

Shiraoi Station features a designated path that leads to the Ainu Museum, where you can also find Ogata and his poster. In a previous blog post, I mentioned my excitement about exploring the Golden Kamuy trail during my planned day trips. The Ainu Museum turned out to be a treasure trove for me! The anime "Golden Kamuy" had the support of the tourism board and the Ainu Museum itself. As a result, the museum displayed Golden Kamuy characters throughout the entrance and offered some exclusive merchandise. They also ran a limited-time promotion that allowed visitors to receive a free badge. Additionally, I received Golden Kamuy stickers during the archery experience.

The museum features scenes from the anime scattered throughout, and there is an opportunity for a photo with the iconic trio beside the lake.

There are three dining options at the museum, and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Flame restaurant, which is unfortunately set to close next month. It was a rare chance to enjoy some Ainu cuisine while admiring the view of the frozen lake. I'm glad I had the chance to dine there before it closes. The other options also provide a variety of food choices to cater to everyone.

The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Ainu people, including their history, way of life, and various experiences. Some traditional Ainu houses are available for exploration, where you can engage in games, learn the language, and even try on traditional Ainu clothing. The homes feature heated flooring, which was a great relief during my visit. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the houses, and it deepened my appreciation for the accuracy and details portrayed in "Golden Kamuy."

The lake itself is beautiful, and during my visit, people were ice skating. They also had reindeer that you could take pictures with. There is a workshop area, but you need to sign up for the workshops ahead of your visit. The archery experience is available for you to try on the day.

A live stage hosts performances of Ainu music and plays, where Ainu stories are often told through song and dance. My visit lasted about four hours, so if you are planning your trip, be sure to factor in travel time and time needed to explore. Traveling by car is quicker, as there is a large car park next to the museum.

My day was memorable, and I am glad I had the chance to experience Ainu culture.