Experience the Ainu Spirit Join the Setapukusa-go bus tour
to explore key Ainu cultural sites
Biratori & Shiraoi Towns
Bus Tour Exploring
Nibutani Kotan & Upopoy
Tour Overview
Experience the Spirit of Ainu Culture
Bus Tour Exploring Nibutani Kotan & Upopoy
The Ainu culture, which has gained attention in recent years through the popular manga and film Golden Kamuy, can now be experienced firsthand in this exclusive day-trip bus tour!
Departing from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, this tour takes you through Biratori Town and Shiraoi Town, where Ainu traditions are deeply rooted. Running from July to September 2025, it offers a limited-time opportunity to explore iconic sites like Nibutani Kotan and Upopoy.
Through sightseeing, learning, listening, and hands-on activities, you’ll experience the Ainu culture with all five senses. Hop aboard the new Setapukusa-go, a specially designed bus featuring Ainu patterns, and create unforgettable memories on this unique journey
Tour Activities
● Efficiently explore Nibutani Ainu Kotan and Upopoy. ● In Nibutani, enjoy detailed daily guided town walks with local experts. ● Course F includes a lunch featuring Biratori Wagyu Yakiniku Don, a regional specialty. ● Visit craft workshops and Chise, where you can observe the traditional craftsmanship of Nibutani Ita and Nibutani Attus, designated as Hokkaido’s only traditional crafts. ● Explore the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum and Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Archives (both require an admission fee) and observe traditional Ainu handicrafts in Chise. ● Participate in hands-on experiences at Ureppa, such as Ainu-patterned accessories, Ainu-design tumblers, and wood carving (time restrictions apply). ● At Upopoy, enjoy a presentation about daily life at Upaskuma Kotan, followed by singing and dance performances at 15:30. ● Watch the Shinot performance, featuring Ainu songs and dances, at 16:00 in the Interactive Exchange Hall.
Two Key Ainu Cultural Sites on the Bus Tour
Biratori Town
What is Nibutani?
Nibutani, located in Biratori Town, Hokkaido, is known as a center of Ainu culture, where traditions and daily life remain vibrant.
At the heart of this area is Nibutani Kotan, where visitors can experience the craftsmanship and wisdom passed down by the Ainu people. You can observe intricate wood carving and embroidery up close, listen to guided storytelling during town walks, and even try on traditional Ainu clothing. Unlike typical tourist destinations, this is a rare opportunity to connect with authentic Ainu culture in a truly immersive way.
Shiraoi Town
What is Upopoy?
Upopoy (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony) is a cultural hub in Shiraoi Town, featuring Japan’s first national Ainu museum.
Visitors can learn through films and exhibits, as well as experience traditional dance performances, musical demonstrations, and interactive programs that allow them to see, listen, and feel Ainu culture firsthand.
Set amidst stunning lakeside nature, Upopoy offers a profound and inspiring space to connect with Ainu wisdom and traditions that remain relevant today.
New Setapukusa-go
“Setapukusa” means “lily of the valley” in Ainu.
The name is inspired by Japan’s largest colony of wild Hokkaido lily of the valley, which has been carefully preserved by the residents of Biratori Town.
The New Setapukusa-go bus directly connects Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with Biratori Town, making it easier for visitors from across Japan and overseas to explore Nibutani, experience Ainu culture, and deepen their understanding of its traditions.
Vehicle Design
Transmission and Inheritance of Ainu Culture
This year’s vehicle design theme is “Transmission and Inheritance of Ainu Culture”, reflecting how master artisans, inheriting the traditions of ancient Ainu culture, nurture and guide young craftspeople.
The bus body color features Apehuci Kamuy’s red, symbolizing the deep emotions held within the Ainu people, with white Ainu patterns elegantly displayed.
This year’s Ainu pattern design incorporates the traditional Ita craft designs created by a highly skilled artisan from Nibutani, renowned for their diverse contributions to traditional craftsmanship.
Selectable Courses
We offer a variety of courses based on departure locations, stopovers, and meal options.
F Course
A Course
B Course
C Course
| 行程 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 到着 | 出発 | 行程 | 滞在時間 |
| 9:00 | 札幌大通りテレビ塔下 | ||
| 10:00 | 10:10 | 新千歳空港 | 10分 |
| 11:20 | 12:10 | びらとり温泉ゆから(ランチ付き) | 50分 |
| 12:15 | 14:00 | 二風谷コタン 平取町（※1 ※2） | 105分 |
| 15:20 | 16:50 | ウポポイ(入場券付き) | 90分 |
| 17:35 | 17:40 | 新千歳空港（※3） | |
| 18:40 | 札幌大通りテレビ塔下 |
※1 You may disembark (leave the tour) only at Nibutani Kotan. Disembarkation at Biratori Onsen Yukara is not allowed. ※2 Includes a 30-minute guided town walk in Nibutani Kotan, plus free exploration of Takumi no Michi (Path of the Masters), Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum, and Ureshipa. ※3 If no request for drop-off at New Chitose Airport on the return trip, the bus will head directly to Sapporo Odori TV Tower.
Travel Planning & Event Schedule
7/25(Fri)~9/21(日)Sun
One round trip per day for a total of 40 days. Please see the detailed schedule below.
7/25-8/30
One round trip per day
Excluding Upopoy’s closed days (July 28, August 4, 18, 25) and August 31.。
9/1-9/21
One round trip only on weekends and holidays
Operates only on September 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21.
Boarding Locations
〈Sapporo〉 Under Sapporo Odori TV Tower
Please wait directly under Sapporo Odori TV Tower at the designated area marked with a red line in the image.
〈New Chitose Airport〉 JAL-side Arrival Lobby, 1st Floor, Chartered Bus Waiting Area
Passengers can board at the following two locations: 📍 Sapporo Odori TV Tower 📍 New Chitose Airport
On the return trip, if no request for drop-off at New Chitose Airport, the bus will head directly to Sapporo Odori TV Tower.
Please wait at the chartered bus waiting area on the JAL side of the airport terminal, 1st floor.
Travel Conditions
These are the conditions related to this travel plan.
Changes may occur without prior notice due to social circumstances or traffic conditions.
| コース名 | コースA,B,C,F |
| 最少催行人員 | 1名 |
| 運営会社 | 株式会社ブルーツーリズム北海道 |
| 旅行日数 | 1日 |
| 代金に含まれるもの | バス代金・アテンド代金(添乗員) |
| 出発日 | 7/25~9/21の開催日程のみ |
| 最大乗車人数 | 22名 |
| ご案内 | ⚫︎各コースで見学施設が休館などにより、観光ができない場合は代替観光地へご案内する場合があります。 ⚫︎時間になりますとバスは出発します。 ⚫︎万が一乗り遅れた場合は目的地までお客様ご自身でお越しいただくことになります。また、それにかかわるご費用はすべてお客様の負担となりますので予めご了承ください。 ⚫︎車内はすべて禁煙です。 ⚫︎旅程管理資格を有する添乗員が同乗いたします。 ⚫︎当日、お席に余裕がある場合は、現地でお申込みをお受けいたします。 ※抗ウイルス抗菌施工済み車両で運行いたします。 ※運行当時に車両点検を実施し安全運転に努めてまいりますが、車両異常など想定外の事象などにより、セタプクサ号車両の運行ができない場合、他の車両にて運行させていただく場合がございます。 |
Domestic Package Tour Terms & Conditions Document
Please make sure to read the travel terms and conditions document at the link below before making a reservation.
About Pricing
| プラン名 | 行程 | 料金 |
|---|---|---|
| コース F | バス乗車券＋平取温泉ゆからのランチ＋ウポポイ入場券付き 札幌/新千歳空港→ぴらとり温泉ゆから→二風谷コタン→ウポポイ→新千歳空港/札幌 | 6500円 |
| コースA | バス乗車券＋平取温泉ゆからのランチ＋ウポポイ入場券付き 札幌/新千歳空港→ぴらとり温泉ゆから→二風谷コタン→ウポポイ→新千歳空港/札幌 | 3000円 |
| コースB | 札幌/新千歳空港→ぴらとり温泉ゆから→二風谷コタン | 2000円 |
| コースC | ぴらとり温泉ゆから/二風谷コタン→ウポポイ→新千歳空港/札幌※１ | 2000円 |
※1 Guests joining from Biratori Onsen Yukara must assemble by 12:00 PM.
Children under 2 years old, who do not require a seat, can join for free.
Seats are unassigned, but may be designated if the bus is full.
Cancellation fees follow the conditions outlined in the travel terms document at the time of booking.
The bus strives to operate on schedule, but delays may occur due to road or weather conditions.
In case of route changes or delays, the duration of sightseeing stops may be shortened or canceled. No refunds will be issued for such changes.
Same-day cancellations are non-refundable.
Booking
Limited to the first 22 participants.
Reservations can be made by phone or online.
For inquiries, please contact us by phone.
Online Reservation
Inquiries about this tour
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed for New Year's Holidays: December 30 – January 3
Feel free to contact us. We will respond within three business days.
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