Ainu Living Memorial Hall
- TOP
- Akanko Ainu Kotan
- Ainu Living Memorial Hall
Ainu Living Memorial Hall Poncise
"Poncise" means "small house" in the Ainu language. The Ainu Living Memorial Hall recreates a traditional Ainu poncise, a home for 4-5 people. When you step inside, it's almost as if you can hear the stories and prayers of a family huddled around the fire. With its displays of daily items and clothing telling of ancient times, the museum awakens a feeling of yearning for the wisdom and traditional lifestyle of the Ainu people as they lived in harmony with the harsh natural world.
Ainu Living Memorial Hall Poncise(Year Round)
-
- Open:
- Year Round AM10:00~PM9:00

The Ainu Living Memorial Hall recreates a traditional home for an old-fashioned 4-5 person family.
Inside this "Pon cise" (small house), displays of daily items and clothing tell of life in times gone by.
Beginning in the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan's assimilation policies prohibited speaking the Ainu language, and completely changed the hunting, gathering, and fishing lifestyle of the Ainu people. At first glance, this new way of life resembles that of the ethnic Japanese, however, it is based upon the unbroken traditions of Ainu spirituality, found in ceremonies and festivals which have been passed down from ancestors. The Ainu ancestors lived in harmony with nature, which could be cruel or kind, and the day-to-day tools and items used by the Ainu ancestors can teach us much of the wisdom of their way of life. When you look inside, it's almost as if the age of families huddling around the fire with stories and prayers has come again.
Access
- Ainu Living Memorial Hall Poncise(Year Round)
- 7-20, Akankoonsen 4-chome, Akancho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
-
Lake Akan Ainu Theater <Ikor>
At the Lake Akan Ainu Theater <Ikor>, we offer powerful traditional performances like ancient ceremonial dances, puppet shows done by Kotan residents, and the Iomante Fire Festival.
See More
-
Ainu Living Memorial Hall Poncise
"Poncise" means "small house" in the Ainu language. The Ainu Living Memorial Hall recreates a traditional Ainu poncise, a home for 4-5 people.
See More
-
Traditional Craft Shops and Restaurants
They abound with woodcraft, accessories, decorations, mukkuri and more, including original works from world-famous woodcarvers, and beautiful Ainu patterned embroidery.
See More