50-minute bus from Sapporo Station
Free; ¥200 for the Exhibition Room
Sapporo Pirka Kotan — which means beautiful village in Ainu — is also known as the Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Center. It is located in the Jozankei district of Sapporo.
While it doesn’t have the sprawling grounds of Upopoy, it’s still an impressive facility that features a theatre; a green space with a carved canoe and replica Ainu houses; and an exhibition room where you can see, hold, and touch more than 300 artifacts — including traditional clothes and tools.
There are also workshops and many events throughout the year, including performances and hands-on cultural experiences about twice a month from spring to autumn. Please check their website for more details.
How to get there
If you are coming from Sapporo Station and don’t have a car, you can either jump on the Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei Onsen (60 minutes) or catch the Kappa Bus Liner — reservations are required. Book here. For both buses, you’ll need to get off at Koganeyu Bus Stop. The center is a 6-minute walk from the bus stop.
If you are coming from New Chitose Airport, you’ll need to first go to Sapporo Station and follow the above method.
Tip: Not sure how to get to Sapporo? Check out our handy Tokyo to Sapporo article.
