Kotan Hachiman Shrine

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Kotan Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1856 and was officially named a township shrine in 1875. It was listed as a local shrine on the 28th of April 1911. The purpose of the shrine is to follow the great principles of the deity, Hondawake no Mikoto. Hondawake no Mikoto is also more commonly known as the Emporer Ōjin. Read More ....

Otaru Canal Museum & Information Center

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Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the 'former Otaru warehouse'. Read More ....

Tokai Lavender Fields

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On the Tokai Sapporo School campus the grounds really comes alive with lavender. It is said that the south district of Sapporo, where the campus is located, is known as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan. Read More ....

Urahoro Shrine

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During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe). Read More ....

Onnenai Visitor Center

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland. Read More ....

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation. Read More ....

Kushiro Marsh Observatory

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Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos. Read More ....

Obihiro Shrine

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In 1881, a man named Benzo Yoda and others from Shizuoka Prefecture organized a pioneer group called the "Bansei-sha". This group and settled inShimo-Obihiro Village and started pioneering. During this time, they started holding festivals and later built a small shrine, though the connection with the current Obihiro Shrine is still not well known. Read More ....

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Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Center

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Admission	Free Exhibition Room: Adults ¥200, High School Students ¥100, free for Junior High School Students or younger
Opening Hours	8:45 - 22:00 (exhibition room and garden: 9:00 - 17:00)
Closed	Mondays, holidays, the last Tuesday of the month, year-end through New Year holidays
Contact	011-596-5961
Notes	Wheelchair access
Location / Getting There	Postal code061-2302 Sapporo, Hokkaido , Minami-ku, Koganeyu 27 45 minute drive from Sapporo From Sapporo Station, 60 minutes via Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei Onsen or Hokeikyo Onsen (Kaisoku 7/Kaisoku 8) From Makomanai Station, 38 minutes via Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei Onsen (12) Get off at "Koganeyu" bus stop and walk 6 minutes

Sculpture at entrance

The Ainu Culture Promotion Center is a fascinating place where visitors can learn about the livelihood, culture, art and history of the indigenous Ainu people who have fostered a unique culture. It is Japan’s first facility featuring indigenous peoples, where visitors can watch, touch and experience numerous traditional Ainu handicrafts made by Ainu artisans. On the grounds there are some traditionally reproduced huts, a “cise”(house), a “pu”(storehouse), and an iyutap (rice milling device).

Traditional Ainu clothing

The modern Ainu Culture Center has artworks, sculptures, an exhibition room, and a large performance hall. The exhibition on the ground floor is home to over 300 items such as tools, clothing, hunting tools, and instruments. Visitors are allowed to handle these items carefully. The items are labeled in English as well as Japanese. The hall has seating for up to 187 people, and throughout the year there are performances of traditional dance and music held, as well as story telling.

: Items on display

: Traditional hut

: Performance hall

Embroidery

Inside the Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Center you will also find modern walkways decorated with Ainu monuments, carvings, and framed hand made works. There is even an Ainu language PC dictionary.The information center allows you to explore the Ainu culture through touch panels, video images, books, along with a digital picture show of ancient stories. Or why not go directly to the source and speak with one of the friendly staff!

The Ainu Association of Hokkaido Sapporo Branch also holds workshops at the center that teaches Ainu embroidery and how to make the “Mukkuri” which is a traditional Ainu musical instrument. For reservations and fees required; contact Ainu Association of Hokkaido Sapporo Branch at 011-596-1610.