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Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a place of stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and fascinating history. Hokkaido is home to the indigenous Ainu people, who have inhabited the island for over 10,000 years. The Ainu culture is unique and distinct from the rest of Japan, and learning about their traditions and history is a fascinating way to experience Hokkaido.

In this travel guide, we will take a deep dive into the culture of the Ainu people and explore some of the best ways to experience their traditions and history.

Who are the Ainu People?

The Ainu people are an indigenous ethnic group that has lived on Hokkaido for thousands of years. They have their own language, culture, and traditions that are distinct from Japanese culture. The Ainu people were historically semi-nomadic, living off the land by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants. Their society was organized around extended families, and they had a complex spiritual system that included the worship of natural forces and ancestors.

Sadly, the Ainu people have experienced discrimination and marginalization in Japan for centuries. The Japanese government’s assimilation policies forced the Ainu to abandon many of their traditions and language, and today, only a small percentage of Hokkaido’s population identifies as Ainu.

Despite these challenges, the Ainu people have managed to preserve their cultural heritage, and today, there are efforts to revitalize Ainu culture and promote greater understanding and respect for the Ainu people.

Experiencing Ainu Culture in Hokkaido

If you want to learn more about the Ainu culture and history, there are many ways to do so in Hokkaido. Here are some of the best experiences to consider:

Visit an Ainu Village

One of the best ways to experience Ainu culture is to visit an Ainu village. There are several villages in Hokkaido that are open to visitors, including Shiraoi, Akan, and Nibutani. These villages offer an immersive experience where you can learn about Ainu history, culture, and daily life.

At the village, you can see traditional Ainu houses, try Ainu cuisine, watch performances of Ainu music and dance, and learn about traditional crafts like woodcarving and embroidery. You can also take part in hands-on activities like making Ainu crafts and playing traditional games.

One of the most unique experiences you can have in an Ainu village is to participate in an Ainu ceremony. Ceremonies are an important part of Ainu spiritual life, and they are often held to mark important events like the changing of the seasons or the birth of a child. These ceremonies typically involve singing, dancing, and offerings of food and drink.

Try Ainu Cuisine

Ainu cuisine is another fascinating aspect of Ainu culture that you can explore in Hokkaido. The Ainu people traditionally lived off the land, so their cuisine is based on local ingredients like salmon, deer, and wild plants. Some of the most popular Ainu dishes include:

• Sakhalin spruce tea: a tea made from the needles of the Sakhalin spruce tree
• Salmon dishes: grilled, smoked, or raw salmon served with wild herbs and spices
• Venison dishes: grilled or stewed venison served with wild plants and vegetables
• Mukkuri: a traditional Ainu musical instrument made from bamboo
• Traditional clothing: Ainu clothing is made from animal skins and features intricate embroidery and beadwork.

Many restaurants in Hokkaido offer Ainu cuisine, and you can also try it at an Ainu village.

Learn Ainu Crafts and Music

Ainu culture is rich in traditional crafts and music. One of the best ways to learn about Ainu crafts and music is to visit a workshop or studio. In Hokkaido, there are several places where you can learn about Ainu crafts like woodcarving, embroidery, and weaving. These workshops offer hands-on experiences where you can learn from skilled artisans and create your own Ainu crafts to take home as a souvenir.

Music is also an important part of Ainu culture, and there are opportunities to learn about traditional Ainu music and instruments. The mukkuri, a bamboo mouth harp, is one of the most well-known Ainu instruments, and there are workshops where you can learn to play it. You can also see performances of traditional Ainu music and dance at an Ainu village or cultural center.

Explore Ainu Art and Museums

If you want to learn more about Ainu history and culture, there are several museums and art galleries in Hokkaido that specialize in Ainu art and artifacts. The Hokkaido Ainu Museum in Shiraoi is one of the best places to learn about Ainu history and culture. The museum features exhibits on Ainu daily life, spirituality, and art, including traditional Ainu clothing, musical instruments, and woodcarvings.

The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park is another fascinating place to visit. The museum, which opened in 2020, is dedicated to Ainu culture and history and features exhibits on Ainu daily life, spirituality, and history. The park includes traditional Ainu buildings, gardens, and sculptures, and there are opportunities to try Ainu crafts and cuisine.

Respectful Travel Tips

When traveling to Hokkaido and experiencing Ainu culture, it is important to do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Learn about Ainu culture before you go: Reading up on Ainu history and culture can help you better appreciate the experiences you have in Hokkaido.
• Respect Ainu traditions: When visiting an Ainu village or attending an Ainu ceremony, be respectful of Ainu traditions and customs. Avoid taking photos or videos without permission, and follow any guidelines or rules provided by the Ainu community.
• Support Ainu artisans and businesses: When buying souvenirs or dining out, look for Ainu-owned and operated businesses. Supporting these businesses can help support the revitalization of Ainu culture and traditions.
• Avoid cultural appropriation: Be mindful of how you are engaging with Ainu culture and traditions. Avoid appropriating Ainu art, music, or clothing, and instead focus on learning and appreciating these aspects of Ainu culture.

Conclusion

Hokkaido is a fascinating destination for travelers who want to experience a unique and distinct culture. The Ainu people and their traditions and history are an essential part of Hokkaido’s identity, and learning about their culture is an enriching and memorable experience. From visiting Ainu villages to trying Ainu cuisine to learning about Ainu crafts and music, there are many ways to engage with Ainu culture in Hokkaido. By doing so in a respectful and thoughtful manner, travelers can help support the preservation and revitalization of Ainu culture for generations to come.

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Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is known for its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and world-renowned ski resorts. But beyond the ski slopes and snow-covered mountains, Hokkaido is also home to some of Japan’s best onsen experiences. Onsen, the traditional Japanese hot springs, offer visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate while surrounded by stunning natural beauty. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best onsen experiences in Hokkaido, Japan’s north.

1. Noboribetsu Onsen

Located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most popular onsen destinations in Hokkaido. The hot springs here are said to have healing properties due to their high sulfur content, making it a great place to rejuvenate tired muscles and soothe skin conditions.

The town of Noboribetsu has many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that offer onsen experiences, but one of the most highly recommended is the Dai-ichi Takimotokan. This ryokan features several different hot spring baths, each with a different temperature and mineral composition. There are also outdoor baths with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen is located in a valley between two mountains and is known for its stunning fall foliage. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Jozankei Onsen is home to several high-quality onsen experiences. One of the most highly recommended is the Hoheikyo Onsen, which offers several different baths including a large outdoor bath with a view of the surrounding forest.

For a unique experience, visitors can try the Yukoro Onsen, which is a mixed-gender bath. While mixed-gender onsen are not common in Japan, they can be found in some places like Jozankei Onsen. Visitors should note that swimsuits are not allowed in these baths.

3. Lake Shikotsu Onsen

Located near Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu is the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan. It is also home to one of Hokkaido’s best onsen experiences. The Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta offers several different hot spring baths, including a large outdoor bath with a view of the lake. The resort also offers a range of spa treatments, including massages and facials.

4. Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen is located in the Akan-Mashu National Park and is known for its unique outdoor bath experience. The bath is located in the middle of the river, and visitors can dig their own bath in the sand to create their own hot spring. While the temperature of the water can be adjusted by adding cold water from the river, visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience. In addition to the outdoor bath, Kawayu Onsen also offers several indoor baths with different temperatures and mineral compositions.

5. Shiretoko Onsen

Located on the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Shiretoko Onsen is one of the most remote onsen destinations in Hokkaido. The area is known for its pristine natural beauty and is home to several hot spring baths. One of the most highly recommended is the Iwaobetsu Onsen, which offers stunning views of the Sea of Okhotsk. The bath is located in a cave and is said to have healing properties due to its high sulfur content.

In addition to the onsen experiences, visitors to Shiretoko can also enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in the surrounding national park.

Conclusion

Hokkaido’s onsen experiences offer visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate in some of Japan’s most beautiful natural surroundings. From the healing properties of the sulfur-rich waters at Noboribetsu Onsen to the stunning views of the forest at Jozankei Onsen, there is an onsen experience for everyone in Hokkaido.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic outdoor bath experience or a luxurious spa resort, Hokkaido has something to offer. So if you’re planning a trip to Japan’s north, be sure to add a few onsen experiences to your itinerary. Not only will you leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but you’ll also have a deeper appreciation for the stunning natural beauty of Hokkaido.

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