2025 Shiraoi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

I don't really want to tell anyone! Stay at Pirikarera Hotel, a hidden inn in Hokkaido that only a few people know about♪ ✅Private space with only 6 rooms ✅All rooms have free-flowing mall hot springs♨️ ✅Free spacious private open-air bath♨️ ✅Full-course dinner featuring A4-grade Shiraoi beef🍽 Easy access from Sapporo and New Chitose, highly recommended👍 #Hokkaido tourism #Open-air bath in guest room #Hot spring inn #Resort hotel #Luxury hotel

Getting There - Take a shinkansen to Shiraoi Station in southern Hokkaido. The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park is just about 5 mins walk from the station. Attractions - This open air cultural museum showcases a replicated Ainu village, exhibits, and performances, including traditional music and dance. It also offers traditional culinary, dance, music, and crafts-making workshops. Hotels - Many types of accommodations are available in Shiraoi. Haku Hostel where I stayed is about 10 mins walk from the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. This hostel is super trendy, clean, and comfortable place with friendly staff. It is also a great value for money. Food & Restaurants - Local restaurants and eateries offer some of the best meals you can find in Japan. Shopping - The museum gift shop has a good variety of products, some of which are made by Ainu people. Other local stores also offer Ainu people’s products, featuring traditional patterns, fabrics, and tapestries. #nationalpark #summervacation #bucketlistreboot

On my trip to Hokkaido, I went to Shiraoi Station. Do you know Shiraoi Town? It may not be a very well-known place, but the Ainu people built the foundation of the town's history here, and promoting Ainu culture is one of the town's development measures. In 2020, "Upopoy," a facility that symbolizes ethnic coexistence, was opened, allowing you to experience different cultures. In addition, "Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto" will open in January 2022, and you can enjoy a stay there, as well as various activities at Lake Poroto depending on the season. This time, I stopped by a cafe called "Horyu" near the station, and the morning set at this cafe was very delicious. Even on the Pacific side, the snow scenery was still very beautiful in winter. #Snowscape #Hokkaido

Opening on January 14, 2022! The hot spring inn "Kai" has finally landed in Hokkaido for the first time♨️ I stayed at "Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto", where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido's nature, food, and culture♪ I have stayed at several facilities of Hoshino Resorts' hot spring inn brand "Kai", but personally, I think "Kai Poroto" is definitely in the top three! First of all, the open-air bath nestled in the middle of nature is so amazing, soaking in the excellent quality of the mall hot spring in the snowy winter scenery was the best open-air bath I've ever had♨️ After all, hot springs feel the best in the cold season! As for the food, the special kaiseki meal, which incorporated plenty of Hokkaido's bounty, was delicious😋 If you're thinking about staying at a Hoshino Resort but not sure where to go, I can wholeheartedly recommend this place👍 #Hot spring #Luxury hotel #Snow scenery #Hokkaido #Breathtaking view

"Upopoy (Imaginary Space for Ethnic Coexistence)" is a facility where you can learn about Ainu culture that opened in Shiraoi-cho, Hokkaido in July 2020. I couldn't get the commercial "Upopoy, Upopoy~♫" that was playing when it first opened out of my head, so I finally made it here🤣 Please note that you need to pay a timed admission fee to enter the National Ainu Museum! The museum provides detailed explanations of the Ainu history and lifestyle, making it easy to understand even for beginners to Ainu culture. The Ainu song and dance shows were also interesting, as they were all things I had never seen before. You can also eat stylish game dishes at the attached restaurant "Haruranna"🦌 📍 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #Game #trip2022

Hokkaido Shiraoi Kai Poroto In addition to the snowy lakeside hot springs I was surprised by the food here As we all know, when staying at a hot spring hotel, you must choose a one-night, two-meal package The highlight is the kaiseki dinner From appetizers to desserts, everything is great ⛵ Treasure Boat The boat-shaped tray is filled with various Japanese delicacies, from sashimi platters to crab sushi, you can taste a variety of flavors at once 🥩 Beef steamed and grilled on a ceramic plate The Shiraoi Wagyu beef is full of milky flavor 🐟 Sake-steamed big fin fish No excessive seasoning, slowly savor the deliciousness of the fish 🍲 Hairy crab and scallop pot It is the best season to eat crabs recently. The combination of hairy crabs and scallops is very fresh. A sip of hot soup in winter is very satisfying · The hotel is rich in Ainu-inspired architecture It seems to float on the lake, looking out the window, there is a quiet and vast lake and birch forest From time to time, wild birds fly by, bringing a completely different Hokkaido experience The special drinks and handmade amulet class made me linger The rare Shiraoi hot spring♨️ reflects the beautiful scenery and takes away the fatigue of the journey

| Hokkaido's Hidden Cultural Gem. In Shiraoi Town, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, there is a time capsule-like museum called the Shiraoi Ainu Museum, which quietly tells the ancient and mysterious stories of the Ainu people. Stepping into the museum is like traveling through time and space, entering the long history of the Ainu people. Every exhibit in the museum is a sediment of time, telling the past of this ethnic group in a silent language. From the early dwellings to the exquisite wooden knife sheaths to the costumes displaying traditional Ainu patterns, all of them showcase the unique artistic creativity and profound cultural heritage of the Ainu people. The museum's permanent exhibition is like a grand historical painting, covering multiple themes such as the language, worldview, life, history, livelihood, and communication of the Ainu people. Here, you can learn about the unique language system of the Ainu language, feel their reverence for the spirits of all things in nature, explore their traditional survival methods of hunting, fishing, and gathering, and trace their historical trajectory of interaction and communication with other ethnic groups. In addition to static exhibits, the museum also offers various lively performances and experiential activities, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Ainu culture. The ancient Ainu dance, with its rhythmic steps and unique music, seems to transport people to an ancient Ainu village, where they can see the joyful scenes of celebrations or ceremonies. You can also try playing traditional Ainu musical instruments, such as the bamboo mouth harp "mukkuri" and the five-stringed harp "tonkori," and feel the unique melody flowing through your fingertips. Outside the museum, the National Ainu Museum and Park is an outdoor display of Ainu culture. The Ainu traditional village "kotan" in the park is scattered with traditional Ainu houses "cise," allowing people to get a close look at the Ainu way of life. Sitting by the fireplace, listening to the Ainu storyteller narrate ancient legends in the Ainu language, feeling the dramatic tension contained in the ups and downs of the tone, it is as if you are in a world full of mystery.

A nice visit to Upopoy at the beginning of November. To commemorate the Culture Day in Japan the entrance was free and there were many events. The park is near Shiraoi JE station in Hokkaido in a small Japanese town but the nature is breathtaking. The territory is big and has several buildings, including traditional Ainu houses. There are also cafes and shops before the entrance with local cuisine. The museum is not small but not big and features a lot of history and culture of the Ainu people. They provide a lecture on the history of Ainu in a cinema-like hall. Everyone was given a receiver to choose audio translation in their language (English, Chinese, Russian, Thai, Korean, if I remember correctly). The lecture about Ainu language was very interesting and we even got to try on アミップ - traditional Ainu clothing. The staff was so friendly and excited to share their culture. If you get the chance to visit, I highly recommend.

Located in Shiraoi-cho, Hokkaido, Upopoy is the first and northernmost national museum in Japan that focuses on the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people. Of course, you can get there by car, but if you take the train, it's about 500m (about 10 minutes) from JR Shiraoi Station (North Exit) on foot to Upopoy. In addition to the usual museum, the large grounds include a plaza with a restaurant, a workshop, and several buildings where you can experience things. The view from inside the museum is beautiful, and you can learn a lot about the Ainu, but what I found interesting is that the map inside the museum also has Ainu language writing. Please take a look if you find it. [Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence] 📍Address: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 #DomesticTravelRecordLine#HokkaidoTrip #HokkaidoTourism

I became friends with the owner of the guesthouse, and he kindly asked me if I would like to test ride an electric bicycle rental, so I decided to go for a ride in the morning. I have rented electric bicycles in various places, but one thing you need to be careful about is the distribution of the charge. If the electric bicycle runs out of charge, it will become just lead and you will suffer a miserable experience. So, a little trick is not to always set it to high power, but to use it only when necessary. And on the way, I encountered wild foxes, but I was able to arrive at Lake Kuttara. #Hokkaido #LakeKutttara #0YenTravelAutumn

Upopoy is an outdoor cultural museum that recreates an Ainu village. You can enjoy exhibits and traditional folk dances, and it is a place where you can experience the diverse charms of Ainu culture on the shores of Lake Poroto✨ The grounds were larger than I expected, and it was very natural and beautiful👍️ It was my first time seeing folk dance, so I was moved!! Also, the screening of the short animation was very impressive and the visuals were very detailed, and it was quite interesting!! [Name] Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence [Address] 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 [Opening hours] Please check the website as it changes depending on the season. #0 yen travel autumn #Hokkaido trip #Shiraoi sightseeing #Domestic travel

Located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, Upopoy is the first and northernmost national museum in Japan that focuses on the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people. In addition to the usual museum, the large grounds include a plaza with a restaurant, a workshop, and several buildings where you can experience things. The experience learning center offers experiences such as playing musical instruments and cooking, as well as a bow and arrow experience and a cute monitor where you can study the Ainu language. [Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence] 📍Address: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 #Experience2024#HokkaidoTrip #HokkaidoTourism

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto 💡 Tips

The National Ainu Museum is located inside the Upopoy Ethnic Coexistence Symbolic Space facility. This is included in the admission fee to Upopoy, so you can enter for free. The first floor has a quiet cafe, library, and souvenir shop, and the second floor is the exhibition room. The main exhibition room introduces the Ainu people under six themes: "Language," "World," "Life," "History," "Work," and "Exchange," which was very interesting. 2-3-1 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 9:00-18:00 Closed on Mondays. #Domestic travel #Museum #Ainu culture

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido is a national center for the revival and creation of Ainu culture🫧 It takes about 60 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, and the parking fee was 500 yen per visit🚘 The mascot character is 'Tureppon,' inspired by the famous Hokkaido plant, the giant lily🤍 The welcome at the entrance and the merchandise at the shop were very cute🥰 The facility is spacious with many highlights✨ 〒059-0902 Wakakusa-cho 2-chome 3, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 9:00-20:00 Closed on Mondays🎌 💰Price per person: 1,200 yen

A restaurant located in the Upopoy Ethnic Coexistence Symbolic Space 🍽️ There are also food courts and cafes, but here you can enjoy delicious roasted meat 🦌 The roasted Ezo deer and lamb steak looked gorgeous and were delicious 🤤 The two portions were served together, so the impressive appearance was also very impactful ✨ 2-2-5 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902 11:00-18:00 Only open until 20:00 on Saturdays and Sundays Closed on Mondays 🎌 #Domestic travel #Hokkaido #Hokkaido gourmet

This restaurant is located in Upopoy. The interior is warm and stylish, as wood is used abundantly. We had lunch there. Everything was delicious. The dishes were cute. As it is a bonfire dining restaurant, everything had a simple taste. The soup was served first, and this also had an "Ainu" taste. I recommend this restaurant. The restaurant is run by Furukawa, a high-class hotel in Hokkaido, so the restaurant is also high-class. The interior has a high-class and stylish atmosphere. It was a relatively quiet place. #0yentravel #Shiraoi #Upopoy #Ainu

#Sightseeing Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Shiraoi Station Dining & Restaurants: There are restaurants and cafes in front of the gate. Shopping: There is one souvenir shop in front of the gate and one inside the gate.

The only hot spring inn in Hokkaido under the Kai brand by Hoshino Resorts 📍Kai Poroto, Hokkaido Inside the hotel, there are "△ Bath (Sangaku no Yu)" and "○ Bath (Maru no Yu)", and you can enjoy bathing in each with a different atmosphere🧡 (△ Bath is a separate building from the hotel building, and ○ Bath is in the hotel building) In the pointed bath hut where △ Bath is located, you can take a rest while looking at Lake Poroto from the large triangular window♡ (Free drinks and popsicles are also available) Kai Poroto's hot spring is a rare "moor hot spring" that is also known worldwide as a "bath for beautiful skin"♨️ I took a bath twice a day, in the morning and at night, so my skin must have become shiny😚🤍 Add excitement to your daily life:🌙 📍Kai Poroto, Hokkaido 📮 1-1018-94 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 🚗 About 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport 🕘 Check in 15:00/ Check out 12:00 - - ☑ Post the exciting spots you've actually visited ☑ Save the places you're interested in and make them your next outing candidate 𓂃𓈒𓂂𓏸 #besttrip2023 #trip #wintertrip #hotsprings #girlstrip #familytrip #domestictrip #hokkaido #hotelstay

Nestled in the heart of Japan's picturesque Aomori Prefecture, Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto offers a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience for those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a two-day stay at this luxurious ryokan, guests can indulge in a range of activities that showcase the best of Japanese culture and hospitality. KAI Poroto boasts two distinct hot spring baths, Sankaku-no-yu and Maru-no-yu, each offering a unique and soothing experience. Sankaku-no-yu, with its triangular shape, provides a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. On the other hand, Maru-no-yu will make you feeling like staying inside a cave. There is a hole on the dome ceiling to connect with the outside, through which gentle sunbeams shine. KAI Poroto also offers a KAI Cultural Discovery program through the Sachet Amulet Workshop, allowing guests to delve deeper into the rich traditions and customs of the Ainu people (indigenous peoples native to northern Japan including Hokkaido). This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local heritage and create lasting memories. No stay at KAI Poroto would be complete without savoring the exquisite kaiseki meals. Prepared using the freshest local ingredients, these multi-course meals are a true culinary delight. Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures as you sample seasonal delicacies meticulously crafted by skilled chefs. From fresh seafood to locally sourced vegetables, each dish is a work of art that reflects the region's culinary heritage. In just two days at Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto, guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the hot springs, discover the beauty of Japanese culture, and savor the finest kaiseki cuisine. Whether you seek relaxation, cultural enrichment, or gastronomic delights, KAI Poroto promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hokkaido has a new travel landmark! UPOPOY (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony) Although it was established in 2020, perhaps not many foreigners know about it yet~ Winter has arrived, hurry up and join me to check in at Hokkaido in person! Have you ever heard of the Ainu people? This is an ancient and mysterious indigenous people who have been recorded since ancient times and live in the northern part of the Japanese archipelago. They have a language system completely different from Japanese, special totems, and a spiritual civilization that believes in the spirituality of all things. In the long river of history, these ancient and precious things are gradually disappearing. In order to inherit and revive the Ayi Nu culture, there is such a national-level center facility. Going to UPOPOY is very convenient, it only takes 40 minutes by car or express train from New Chitose Airport. The park includes locations such as the National Ayi Nu Ethnic Museum and the National Ethnic Coexistence Park. You can learn and experience the history, culture, and language of the Ainu while enjoying the natural scenery. Small guide: When visiting a museum, you can download the museum's app in advance, which provides Chinese text and audio introductions for better understanding. After finishing the exhibition, go down to the first floor where there is a souvenir shop selling many traditional totemic items of the Ainu people. I found a handmade embroidered hair clip, which is said to have various meanings in the patterns. It's definitely a strong hair clip! Ainu traditional art performance is also worth watching. Before the show, staff will distribute translators and with headphones, there will be Chinese explanations, so don't worry about not understanding.~ On the stage, everyone is wearing traditional costumes with totems, imitating the creatures of nature and starting to dance, such as the crane. Using a bamboo piece called Mukkuri to make the sound of water droplets in the mouth, or imitate the sound of wind and animals, combined with stage design and lighting, the audience feels like they are in nature and it feels incredible. "Ah~ I really want to learn this instrument too!" "Tomorrow we can learn! There's an instrument experience here!" the little girl suddenly told me. Made me so happy, I will report my study achievements to everyone tomorrow! Looking forward to it~ Looking forward to it! Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Hokkaido has a new travel landmark! UPOPOY (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony) Although it was established in 2020, perhaps not many foreigners know about it yet~ Winter has arrived, hurry up and join me to check in at Hokkaido in person! Have you ever heard of the Ainu people? This is an ancient and mysterious indigenous people who have been recorded since ancient times and live in the northern part of the Japanese archipelago. They have a language system completely different from Japanese, special totems, and a spiritual civilization that believes in the spirituality of all things. In the long river of history, these ancient and precious things are gradually disappearing. In order to inherit and revive the Ayi Nu culture, there is such a national-level center facility. Going to UPOPOY is very convenient, it only takes 40 minutes by car or express train from New Chitose Airport. The park includes locations such as the National Ayi Nu Ethnic Museum and the National Ethnic Coexistence Park. You can learn and experience the history, culture, and language of the Ainu while enjoying the natural scenery. Small guide: When visiting a museum, you can download the museum's app in advance, which provides Chinese text and audio introductions for better understanding. After finishing the exhibition, go down to the first floor where there is a souvenir shop selling many traditional totemic items of the Ainu people. I found a handmade embroidered hair clip, which is said to have various meanings in the patterns. It's definitely a strong hair clip! Ainu traditional art performance is also worth watching. Before the show, staff will distribute translators and with headphones, there will be Chinese explanations, so don't worry about not understanding.~ On the stage, everyone is wearing traditional costumes with totems, imitating the creatures of nature and starting to dance, such as the crane. Using a bamboo piece called Mukkuri to make the sound of water droplets in the mouth, or imitate the sound of wind and animals, combined with stage design and lighting, the audience feels like they are in nature and it feels incredible. "Ah~ I really want to learn this instrument too!" "Tomorrow we can learn! There's an instrument experience here!" the little girl suddenly told me. Made me so happy, I will report my study achievements to everyone tomorrow! Looking forward to it~ Looking forward to it! Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Today is the second day at UPOPOY! I would like to call it "Experience Day". After watching the traditional performance of the Ainu tribe yesterday, I really want to learn their traditional instrument: Mukkuri. Today, I finally learned it! Mukkuri, although made of bamboo, is actually a type of harmonica. Its characteristic is that blowing air makes the thin reed vibrate and produce sound, and then the tone and pitch are changed by adjusting the space in the mouth through inhaling and exhaling. Of course, in the first time learning, one cannot achieve the effect of a master~ Beginner level is about learning how to make the instrument produce sound: fix your left hand and make a "knocking" gesture with your right hand, and you will hear a "duiduidui~" sound. Only after becoming proficient can you move on to practicing advanced techniques with your mouth. Very interesting! Feels like ventriloquism~ I want to perform by the UPOPOY lake too once I master it, haha! I also experienced the traditional embroidery of the Ainu people, with the teacher personally teaching me and embroidering mysterious patterns. In addition, there is also a bow and arrow experience! Shoot arrows on the outdoor site and experience the life of the Ainu people who used to hunt... Of course, to ensure safety, the arrows are not sharp, so you can play with peace of mind! Finally, my friends and I were still in the traditional Ainu thatched house, listening to a "storytelling" around the stove. It is a story and a lyrical song passed down from generation to generation among the Ainu people. Today I had a full experience, and surprisingly I had the illusion of traveling back to the past and living in the village myself! Seems like I'm becoming more and more interested in the culture of this ancient indigenous people~ I really want to learn more about their stories~

"Pirikarera Hotel" is a highly recommended hotel that we visited on a trip to Hokkaido. This hotel, which only has 6 rooms per day, is located in Shiraoi Town, a town known for preserving Ainu culture, and is perfect for those who want to relax in a quiet environment! All rooms are suites and come with a free-flowing mall hot spring, and for dinner you can enjoy teppanyaki French cuisine or Japanese kaiseki cuisine♪ #Hokkaido Tourism #Hot Spring Inn #Luxury Hotel

Located near Upopoy, a symbolic ethnic space in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, this huge and stylish souvenir and cafe space stands out. It also has a factory and a dog run, so it's a place that families can enjoy in many ways. It's directly managed by a poultry farm, so the eggs, meals, and sweets are all excellent. Address: 289-1 Shadai, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #Hokkaido Trip

I went to the National Ainu Museum in Shiraoi. I made a reservation in advance and was able to enter smoothly! If you have time to go, I recommend making a reservation by the day before! The National Ainu Museum is inside Upopoy, so don't forget to make a reservation for Upopoy! Inside, there are many things to learn, including the permanent exhibition, and I would like to go back and see it again at my own pace. The special exhibition was about Ainu costumes, and I enjoyed a lot of things from history to design. It may be a little difficult for children, but they looked at them and enjoyed them, saying how beautiful they were. Until July 15, 2022... Weekdays 9:00-18:00 Weekends and holidays 9:00-20:00 Closed on Mondays (if a holiday or public holiday falls on a Monday, the following weekday) 2-3-1 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #gw2022jp #Hokkaido trip