Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Explore the profound history of Northern Hokkaido dating back about 20,000 years. This museum offers a comprehensive look at Ainu culture, the resilience of life in a sub-arctic climate, and the fascinating evolution of human settlement in the region.

The Asahikawa City Museum serves as a gateway to the rich heritage of Northern Hokkaido. On the first floor, the permanent exhibition focuses on the history and culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of this land. You can walk among life-sized recreations of traditional Ainu dwellings known as "cise," alongside ancient pit houses and "Tondenhei-ya" (pioneer farmhouses) from the Meiji era. Seeing these structures and daily artifacts up close provides a vivid glimpse into how people lived and thrived in harmony with nature throughout different eras.

The journey continues on the lower level, where the theme "Interaction Between Nature and People in the North" takes center stage. This section highlights the incredible wisdom required for both flora and fauna—and humans—to survive Hokkaido’s legendary winters. You will learn about the geological formation of the Asahikawa area and its unique ecosystem. One of the most evocative displays allows you to imagine the biting winter chill seeping through the gaps of wooden walls, illustrating the harsh reality of early frontier life. With engaging special exhibitions and hands-on learning rooms, the museum tells an epic story of the North from the Stone Age to the present day.