Upopoy in Shiraoi, Hokkaido: Reduced Group Admission Threshold and Expanded Reservation Eligibility
Key facts
- Upopoy in Shiraoi, Hokkaido: Reduced Group Admission Threshold and Expanded Reservation Eligibility
- Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), operated by the Ainu Culture Foundation, will lower the minimum group size for discounted admission from July 1, 2026, allowing smaller groups to benefit. Local governments will also be able to make direct group reservations to accommodate increasing inspection visits.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), operated by the Ainu Culture Foundation, will lower the minimum group size for discounted admission from July 1, 2026, allowing smaller groups to benefit. Local governments will also be able to make direct group reservations to accommodate increasing inspection visits.
- Citation
- Upopoy in Shiraoi, Hokkaido: Reduced Group Admission Threshold and Expanded Reservation Eligibility (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), operated by the Ainu Culture Foundation, will lower the minimum group size for discounted admission from July 1, 2026, allowing smaller groups to benefit. Local governments will also be able to make direct group reservations to accommodate increasing inspection visits.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 14:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 18, 2026 at 14:03 (23h 45m after Collected)
Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony), operated by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Ainu Culture (Sapporo City, Chuo Ward; President Teruki Tsunemoto), will reduce the minimum number of visitors required to qualify for group admission rates starting from entries on July 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8), extending group reservation eligibility to smaller groups. (School groups will remain under the current policy.)
Previously, only travel agencies with tourism voucher agreements with Upopoy, members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and travel service coordinators handling inbound foreign tourists were eligible to make group reservations. However, in response to a growing number of direct inquiries from local governments across Japan seeking to conduct inspection visits, Upopoy will now allow local government bodies to directly apply through the Upopoy Group Reservation Center, enabling smoother coordination.
Overview:
※1 Travel agencies with tourism voucher agreements with Upopoy or members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
※2 Companies handling domestic arrangements for inbound foreign tourism
About Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony)
Opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, as a hub for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture. Upopoy comprises the National Ainu Museum—the first national museum in Hokkaido, the National Ainu Park, an experiential field museum where visitors can engage with Ainu culture through all five senses, and a memorial facility designed to honor the spirits of the Ainu people with dignity. Located beside the scenic Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich natural landscapes, Upopoy offers diverse opportunities to experience Ainu culture and history through touch, participation, and immersive activities.
Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainumuseumpark/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upopoy/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upopoy
Address: 2-3 Wakabamachi, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Shiraoi Station. About 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway or train.
Admission Fee (incl. tax): General adult 1,200 yen, high school students 600 yen, junior high school students and younger free of charge
※ Group rates apply for 10 or more visitors. Fees for paid experience programs and special museum exhibitions are not included.
Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00
※ Hours may vary by season
Closed Days: Mondays, December 28 to January 4, 2027, and February 27 to March 8. If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following weekday.
※ Special opening days may apply
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Operator: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Ainu Culture
Previously, only travel agencies with tourism voucher agreements with Upopoy, members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and travel service coordinators handling inbound foreign tourists were eligible to make group reservations. However, in response to a growing number of direct inquiries from local governments across Japan seeking to conduct inspection visits, Upopoy will now allow local government bodies to directly apply through the Upopoy Group Reservation Center, enabling smoother coordination.
Overview:
※1 Travel agencies with tourism voucher agreements with Upopoy or members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
※2 Companies handling domestic arrangements for inbound foreign tourism
About Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony)
Opened in 2020 in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, as a hub for the revitalization and creation of Ainu culture. Upopoy comprises the National Ainu Museum—the first national museum in Hokkaido, the National Ainu Park, an experiential field museum where visitors can engage with Ainu culture through all five senses, and a memorial facility designed to honor the spirits of the Ainu people with dignity. Located beside the scenic Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich natural landscapes, Upopoy offers diverse opportunities to experience Ainu culture and history through touch, participation, and immersive activities.
Official Website: https://ainu-upopoy.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ainumuseumpark/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upopoy/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upopoy
Address: 2-3 Wakabamachi, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902
Phone: 0144-82-3914 (Main)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Shiraoi Station. About 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway or train.
Admission Fee (incl. tax): General adult 1,200 yen, high school students 600 yen, junior high school students and younger free of charge
※ Group rates apply for 10 or more visitors. Fees for paid experience programs and special museum exhibitions are not included.
Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00
※ Hours may vary by season
Closed Days: Mondays, December 28 to January 4, 2027, and February 27 to March 8. If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following weekday.
※ Special opening days may apply
Opening Date: July 12, 2020
Designated Operator: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Ainu Culture
FAQ
How many people are required for group rates at Upopoy?
Currently 10 or more; the threshold will be lowered starting July 1, 2026. Details to follow.
How can local governments make group reservations?
They can now apply directly through the Upopoy Group Reservation Center.
Are there changes for school group bookings?
No, school groups will continue under the existing reservation rules.
When will the new policy take effect?
The changes apply to admissions from July 1, 2026.
Who is not eligible for group reservations?
Individual visitors and non-qualified travel agencies remain ineligible for group rates.