Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence), located at Shiraoi Station in Hokkaido, is a place where you can see, hear, experience, and learn about Ainu culture. I stumbled upon this spot while searching for places along the Muroran Main Line, so I figured if I went first thing in the morning, I’d easily make it back in time for the train just after noon—and I arrived just before 9:00 a.m. I got really excited seeing the cute mailbox right before the entrance and the cool mural just inside, and since there was no one there except for the staff, I waited a little while for it to open before going in. It’s incredibly beautiful and incredibly spacious. Ainu culture is just so fascinating. I want to cherish it. As I looked at the many exhibits and watched mukkuri performances and the Iomante ritual play, time flew by, and before I knew it, it was almost noon. Three hours wasn’t nearly enough time… and my enthusiasm for *Golden Kamuy* has skyrocketed. I’ll definitely come back here the next time I visit Hokkaido!
Upopoi (Space Symbolizing Ethnic Coexistence)
, located at Shiraoi Station in Hokkaid...){kind=link}