Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Located in a corner of Lake Akan Hot Springs Village, this is one of Hokkaido's largest settlements of Ainu people. Here, visitors can witness UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage-listed Ainu traditional dances and discover traditional crafts.

Ainu Kotan, located in a corner of Lake Akan Hot Springs Village in Akan-cho, Kushiro City, is one of Hokkaido's largest kotan (settlements), home to about 120 Ainu people who continue to live their lives while preserving their traditional culture. Within the kotan, shops selling wood-carved folk crafts and embroidered textiles cluster together, and the sound of artisans carving wood by hand echoes throughout the settlement. The scent of wood carving blends with the aroma of cooking from restaurants serving traditional Ainu cuisine, creating a unique atmosphere.

At the resident theater Ainu Theater Ikor, performances of the Traditional Ainu Dance, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, are held. The stage is truly a sight to behold, filled with the resonating rhythms of traditional instruments and singing voices, alongside the powerful movements of the dancers and their traditional costumes. The art museum Onne Cise houses intricate wood carvings and beautifully embroidered costumes, allowing visitors to experience the history and artistic expression of the Ainu people living in harmony with nature. Walking through the settlement, you can witness traditional culture breathing life into everyday routines, experiencing a one-of-a-kind environment where the continuation of Ainu culture harmoniously coexists with modern life.