Full Day Indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido and Jozankei

The Ainu Cultural Center is a real hidden gem. Tucked away in lush natural surroundings an hour or so outside of Sapporo, this center/museum is sure to please. It is very informative with tons of artifacts of The Ainu. The center is well curated and visitors are encouraged to hold and touch the many authentic Ainu handcrafts. The outdoor village with traditional handcrafted Ainu houses and canoes are very cool to experience as well. This is a “must go” sight for those interested in indigenous groups. Your tour will continue on to nearby Jozankei Hot spring(Onsen) Village. There are 56 hot spring sources in Jozankei, concentrated around both the Tsukimibashi and Takayamabashi bridges along with The Toyohira River which flows throughout the village. The waters of most of these hot spring baths average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Celsius. As a member of this tour, you will experience a two hour hot spring bath at one of Jozankei’s most reputable hot spring hotels.

1. 1

   AINU Cultural Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan)

   3 hours

   This tour will start at Sapporo Station in front of “Myomu”(The Circular Stone Structure) in front of the South Exit doors of Sapporo Station. Kindly meet here at exactly 9a.m. Your guide will be there to greet you. After brief introductions and smiles, we will start to embark on our wonderful tour starting at The Ainu Cultural Center. The tour will begin here at The Ainu Cultural Center. Your guide will take you through the 1 hour tour of the Ainu Center Museum(exhibition room). Here, you will learn of the lifestyle, history, and art of the Ainu people, the indigenous people who first settled Hokkaido and developed a unique culture. This facility is the first of its kind in Japan to focus on original inhabitants and allows visitors to actually feel, touch and experience first-hand traditional Ainu craftworks(over 300 items) made by Ainu artisans.

2. 2

   Jozankei Onsen

   2 hours

   After leaving The Ainu Cultural Center, you will be heading (by bus) to the very nearby quaint little hot spring village known as Jozankei. Jozankei is located within the lush green Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This area is characterized by topography and phenomena created by hundreds of years of volcanic activity.Thus, this volcanic activity has created numerous natural hot springs that dot the entire area of Jozankei Village. Upon arrival, your guide will show you around the area and make sure you see all the popular sights that Jozankei offers. These will include both the Jozankei Shrine and Temple, Gesen Park and footbath, Futami Park and Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge. This guided walking tour of Jozankei is breathtaking any season of the year.

3. 3

   Jozankei Onsen

   3 hours

   Your tour will conclude on a physically soothing “high note”. Your guide will escort you to the Hotel Shika no Yu hot spring. Here, you will enjoy the very popular 2 hour day-bath experience. Of course, hot springs(“onsen” in Japanese) are an integral part of Japanese culture and have been enjoyed for centuries for their therapeutic and relaxing properties. Visitors to Japan, would be amiss not to experience an onsen bath. You will have the chance on this tour! After soaking in one of the many hot springs, we will slowly make our way back to Sapporo Station

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.