Dig deeper into the distinctive Ainu culture
The Ainu are an indigenous people who have hunted and gathered in the northern reaches of Japan for centuries. Their customs are centered around a deep respect for nature and their relationships with kamuy—gods or spirits of the natural world. Discover more about this culture on an English-language tour dedicated to Ainu traditions.
The Akan area in eastern Hokkaido (Japan’s northern-most main island) is home to the Akan Ainu Kotan—or Akan Ainu settlement, with a spectacular location next to Lake Akan. At the settlement, you can enjoy hands-on craft activities and performances of traditional Ainu dance.
When to go: All year
More Information
Akan National Park – Ainu Culture and “Frost Flowers”
Experiencing Ainu Culture in Hokkaido
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