Ainu Culture Promotion Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan)
Touch the spirit of Hokkaido’s indigenous heritage
A beautiful village where history comes alive through hands-on discovery.
Nestled in a quiet forest in Sapporo, Sapporo Pirka Kotan—meaning “Beautiful Village in Sapporo” in the Ainu language—offers an immersive journey into the rich traditions of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The center houses about 300 artifacts, including garments adorned with intricate embroidery and daily tools featuring powerful wood carvings. Unlike traditional museums, many of these items can be touched and examined up close. Feeling the warmth of the carved wood and the delicate textures of the hand-stitched threads allows the stories and wisdom of the Ainu ancestors to resonate deeply within your heart.
Beyond just observing, you can actively engage with this living culture. Visitors can dress in traditional robes featuring vibrant patterns for a memorable photo or participate in authentic workshops such as embroidery and wood carving. As you gaze out at the lush natural landscape that surrounds the facility, you will find yourself reflecting on the lives of those who have lived in harmony with the earth. This profound connection makes a visit here a truly special and lasting highlight of any Sapporo journey.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Travel Inspiration
- Adventure Travel
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒061-2274
- Address
- 北海道札幌市南区小金湯27
- Telephone Number
- 011-596-5961
- Open
- 8:45-22:00 (The exhibition room and garden: 9:00-17:00)
- Closed
- Monday, public holidays, the last Tuesday of each month, year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
- Prices
- Free admission (there is an admission fee for the exhibition halls)
- Car Park
- 40 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 40 minutes from JR Sapporo Station
●By car: About 75 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Kitahiroshima IC - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
