Visit Kaneto Kawamura Ainu Museum, which showcases and preserves the ancient culture of Hokkaido’s Ainu people. Take time to browse the exhibitions of art, hunting tools and photographs. Shop for handicrafts and attend workshops such as instrument making.
Established in 1916 by Ainu chief Itakishiroma Kawamura, this is Japan’s oldest museum dedicated to the Ainu. Enter and be greeted by the sight of a building designed by Bikki Sunazawa, who was a self-taught painter and woodcarver and one of Japan’s most prolific contemporary artists. Accompanying the building in the courtyard is a typical bamboo “chise” house relocated from the Ainu Kotan village. A fire burns inside the chise to symbolize the bed of the fire god.
An exhibition of original Ainu clothes, tools and woodcarvings highlights the customs of the semi-nomadic tribe. Learn about their fishing and bear-hunting activities, and see a dugout canoe and a machine used for embroidery. Much of the collection was amassed by Kaneto Kawamura, an esteemed Ainu and respected railroad surveying engineer. There’s a display dedicated to Kaneto’s contribution to Japanese railroads.
Workshops and events present further insight into the life of the tribespeople. Have fun making and learning to play a “mukkuri” stringed idiophone. Or, you could try your hand at embroidery and origami. There’s also the chance to watch Ainu groups perform traditional folkloric dances.
You’ll find the museum in the Hokumoncho neighborhood of Asahikawa. It is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away from Asahikawa Station. Drivers are welcome to park for free inside the museum grounds.
Kaneto Kawamura Ainu Museum is open daily and there’s an admission fee, with discounts for children. Separate fees apply for workshops and events. Some, but not all, of the museum exhibits have information in English.
