Excursion Upopoy park, ainu museum & cape chikyu tour at Muroran

Experience the traditional Ainu culture and lifestyle from a unique perspective during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion. 

Cape Chikyu

Departing from Muroran port, drive to Cape Chikyu, which is located south urban area of Muroran city. You can get to an observatory and a white lighthouse and enjoy a scenic view of wide Pacific Ocean. The word ’Chikyu’ means ‘earth’ in Japanese, and originally means ‘cliffs’ in Ainu language.

Muroran, Seaside Drive, Upopoy Park, National Ainu Museum, Video Theatre, Permanent Exhibition

Next re-board your coach for the scenic, approximately one-hour seaside drive to Upopoy Park. Located next to Lake Poroto, Upopoy consists of the National Ainu Museum, which was founded out of respect and dignity of indigenous people in north Japan, along with several other facilities dedicated towards helping visitors learn about and experience the Ainu culture first-hand. During your guided tour, learn about the history and culture of the Ainu. In addition, a video theatre explains the Ainu culture and traditional lifestyle, and a permanent exhibition chronicles the history of the Ainu people. Afterward, stop by the gift shop to browse for a souvenir of your visit.

Lakeside Park, Optional Performances of Traditional Ainu Dance & Music & Crafts

Outside of the museum, you can stroll about the flora of the surrounding lakeside park. For an additional fee payable at the venue, you may opt to participate in hands-on, interactive experiences related to Ainu music, dance, and crafts, which take place in three of the buildings located in the park. Enjoy performances of Ainu ancient rite dancing, as well as the sounds the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed instrument), which are designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Experience Exchange Hall, Lake Poroto, Traditional Ainu Village, Reconstructed Houses, Costumes

In the Experience Exchange Hall, view Lake Poroto and the traditional Ainu village past the glass windows that form the backdrop to the stage, and the rich flora surrounding Upopoy. There are also several reconstructed Ainu houses that you can enter. Traditional ceremonies are performed there occasionally, and you can try on some of the costumes. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Muroran, Upopoy Park, National Ainu Museum, Video Theatre, Exhibits, Traditional Ainu Village, Music, Dancing, Crafts, Costumes & Houses, Lake Poroto

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus and approximately 10 steps at Upopoy Park. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Participation in the traditional musical, dancing, and crafting experiences is optional, at each guest's own expense, and payable at the venue. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.