#Japan #Hokkaido #Ainu Culture #Upopoy #Shiraoi

UPOPOY Expands Reservations for School Groups

Located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, UPOPOY (symbolic space for coexistence) is set to enhance its school visit reservations based on requests from travel agencies conducting school trips. From late November 2025, the reservation period for school groups will be gradually expanded, allowing bookings up to a remarkable 26 months in advance, significantly improving the likelihood of UPOPOY being chosen as a destination for educational excursions.

Background of UPOPOY

UPOPOY was inaugurated in July 2020 as a key facility for the revival and creation of Ainu culture. This culturally significant hub houses the National Ainu Museum—the first national museum in Hokkaido—an experiential field museum known as the National Ethnological Park, and a memorial facility designed for respectful commemorations by the Ainu people. Situated by the lush shores of Lake Poroto, UPOPOY offers a multi-dimensional experience of Ainu culture and history through interactive activities that engage all the senses.

Details of the Reservation Expansion

Previously, the reservation period for school group entries was limited to one academic year. Following the requests from educational travel agencies, UPOPOY will start accepting reservations for the 2026 school year from late November 2025. The expansion will occur in phases as follows:

• - Late November 2025: Reservations open for the 2026 school year
• - Early February 2026: Extend reservations for the 2027 school year
• - Early April 2026: Extend further for entries until June 2028
• - Early June 2026: Extend to August 2028
• - After June 2026, reservation windows will continue to expand every two months.

This progressive approach is expected to facilitate greater interest in UPOPOY among schools looking for educational travel programs.

Booking Information and Updates

For detailed scheduling and the latest news regarding reservations, visit UPOPOY's official website. Here are the relevant links:

• - Official Website: UPOPOY Education Reservations
• - Instagram: UPOPOY on Instagram
• - Facebook: UPOPOY on Facebook
• - YouTube: UPOPOY YouTube Channel

Visiting UPOPOY

UPOPOY is located at:

• - Address: 2-3 Wakakusa, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902, Japan
• - Phone: +81-144-82-3914
• - Access: A 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station or approximately 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport by highway or train.
• - Admission Fee:

- Adults: JPY 1,200
- High School Students: JPY 600
- Free for middle school students and below
- Group rates available for groups of 20 or more
Note: Additional charges apply for paid experiential programs and special exhibitions at the museum.

• - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes)
• - Closed: Mondays, December 29 to January 5, and from February 28 to March 9. If a Monday is a holiday, the closure will extend to the next weekday.

UPOPOY stands as a poignant reminder of Ainu culture, creating educational pathways for future generations. Through its expansion of reservation periods, it invites more school groups to explore and appreciate this rich heritage.

Conclusion

As UPOPOY continues to grow as a key destination for educational tourism, its efforts to accommodate and expand services for school groups reflect a commitment to cultural education and the promotion of Ainu heritage. The gradual reservation expansion is a strategic move that promises to enrich the experiences of students visiting this unique cultural space.