Hokkaidō Museum

You can’t tell the story of Hokkaidō without the Ainu.

If you want a detailed view of the Ainu experience in Japan, from past to present, then this might just tickle you history nerds. There are detailed explanations in English, as well as footage of Ainu dancing and recordings of oral traditions including songs, stories and literature (though no English subtitles here).

There are also several other sections and exhibitions, including everyone’s favorite dinosaurs, the ecosystems of Hokkaidō, and more than a million years of history leading up to the present day.

How to get to Hokkaidō Museum

The Hokkaidō Museum is a 20- to 25-minute walk or 5-minute bus (No. 22) from Shinrinkōen Station (JR Hakodate Line). Alternatively, if coming from Shin-Sapporo Station, you can hop directly on the same bus for 15 minutes.