The History
of the
Akanko
Ainu Kotan
Kotan is a word that means "community" in the Ainu language. Even in the present, the Akanko Ainu Kotan is where many Ainu people live. The history of the Akanko Ainu Kotan began when Mitsuko Maeda, the third-generation owner of Maeda Ippoen, provided land to preserve the Ainu lifestyle, on which Ainu people who inherited traditional culture set up shops. They embody "tradition and innovation" by incorporating modern perspectives and techniques while treasuring their inheritance. In this place, one can feel the spirituality of the Ainu culture carefully protected and passed down by indigenous peoples of Japan, the Ainu people.
Lake Akan
Ainu Theater
〈Ikor〉
Ancient Ritual Dance × Modern Dance ×
Digital Art
At the first Ainu folk dance theater in Japan, impactful performances such as "Lost Kamuy," "Ainu Ancient Ritual Dance," and "Fire Kamuy Verse" unfold. The rear of the stage has an open structure leading to the outdoors. The structure gives a sense of depth to the stage.
Facility overview／
Seating Capacity : 300
(Rear standing viewing capacity: 120)
| Address | 4-7-84 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido |
|---|---|
| Inquires | +81-0154-67-2727 |
See this homepage for specific times of
performances, etc.
Culture Tradition
and Creation
"Onne cise"
and Creation
Ainu Culture Tradition and Creation
Located on the slope of the Akanko Ainu Kotan, the Akanko Ainu Art Museum creates new culture while also preserving tradition. Traditional ceremonial items and household items are exhibited in the building, and an Ainu culture experience space is also available.
Facility overview／
Opening days :
Summer（May-November）
Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays
Winter（December-April）Closed
Opening hours : 10：00-16：30
※ Opening days and hours are subject to change.
When you come, please check the latest information
from the latest information or call us in advance.
| Admission fee | Adults 500 yen （tax included）, children（elementary school students） 250 yen （tax included） ※Preschoolers are free |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-7-19 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido |
| Inquires | +81-0154-67-2727 （Akan Ainu Crafts Cooperative） |
For details and reservations for the Experience Tour, check out
➡ https://anytimeainutime.jp/tour/
Ainu Life Memorial Hall
"Pon cise"(Small House)
A facility where you can get a glimpse of the life of the Ainu people who coexisted with the harsh nature. On display are household items and clothing from that time.
Opening days : Closed Irregularly
Opening hours : 10：00-16：30
Red Salmon Festival
〜Kapatcep Nomi〜
Early July
The landlocked red salmon, known as himemasu in Japanese, is native to Lake Akan. This traditional Ainu ceremony offers thanks to the many spirits of nature for bountiful catches of red salmon.
Marimo Festival
October 8th, 9th, and 10th
The Marimo Festival has been held since 1950, with the goal of promoting conservation of the marimo. Attended by Ainu people from throughout Hokkaido, the festival features performances such as a torch parade and traditional Ainu dancing.
A journey to touch wood and experience Ainu skills
Wood carving experience
( Required time / approx. 1 hr )
A program where you can experience carving Ainu patterns on wooden charms shaped like "tonkori," a traditional Ainu musical instrument.
| Period of availability | year-round |
|---|---|
| Starting hours | ①11：00 onwards ②13：30 onwards |
| Minimum number of participants / 2（capped at 10） |
|
| For ages | 4th grade and above |
| Participation fee | Adults and
children ¥5,000 per person (tax included) |
A journey toward an abundant spirit through embroidery
Embroidery experience
( Required time / approx. 1 hr )
Apply Ainu patterns to coasters made of cotton with the help of instructors such as Kayoko Nishida.
| Period of availability | year-round |
|---|---|
| Starting hours | ①11：00 onwards ②13：30 onwards |
| Minimum number of participants / 2（capped at 10） |
|
| For ages | 4th grade and above |
| Participation fee | Adults and
children ¥6,000 per person (tax included) |
Feel the blessings of nature
Ainu cuisine experience
( Required time / approx. 1 hr )
Ainu cuisine that makes use of the blessings of nature. Have a meal on a special day and experience the food culture that has been passed down.
| Period of availability | year-round |
|---|---|
| Starting hours | Before and after each experience |
| Minimum number of participants / Minimum number is 1 |
|
| For ages | All ages session |
| Participation fee | Adults and
children ¥3,500 per person (tax included) |
For details and reservations for the Experience Tour, check out
➡ https://anytimeainutime.jp/tour/