Journal | 2026.09.26
This is a guide to Nibutani in Biratori, Hokkaido, where you can meet Ainu craftwork up close.
The Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum shows folk tools and crafts, and lets you hear yukar, the Ainu heroic epics.
At Mori no Auberge Mitsu the dinner can feature beef from Biratori, so the museum and the meal share one town.
What you can see at the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
The Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum opened in 1992, and its display is divided into four sections.
Alongside folk tools and crafts, you can listen to yukar, the Ainu heroic epics, at a video stage.
The museum stands at 55 Nibutani in Biratori, the valley that later gave its name to the crafts.
Admission from 400 yen, open 9:00 to 16:30
The museum opens from 9:00 to 16:30. Admission is 400 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
For groups of twenty or more it is 350 and 100 yen. It is closed from 16 December to 15 January, and on Mondays from 16 November to 15 December and from 16 January to 15 April, so it helps to check the dates before you go.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 9:00-16:30 |
| Admission (adult) | 400 yen |
| Admission (student) | 150 yen |
| Address | 55 Nibutani, Biratori |
Nibutani-ita and Nibutani-attus, Hokkaido's first designated crafts
On 8 March 2013 two crafts from Nibutani became the first in Hokkaido to be designated traditional crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Nibutani-ita are trays carved from wood, and Nibutani-attus is cloth woven from tree bark.
At the museum you can see this handwork close up, which makes it a highlight of sightseeing in Biratori.
Biratori beef links the museum to dinner at Mitsu
Dinner at Mori no Auberge Mitsu is an omakase kaiseki course that follows the Hokkaido season, and breakfast is served too, except on room-only plans.
The meat dish uses Mailabuta pork from Atsuma, or beef from Biratori, the same town as Nibutani. You can read more on the Dining page.
Using Mitsu as a base to explore Biratori
Mori no Auberge Mitsu is a small auberge that takes three groups a night, in three rooms named Ki, Mi and Tsuki. It is about 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, and about 15 minutes from the Atsuma interchange on the Hidaka Expressway.
If you come by car, Biratori is easy to reach as well, and there is free parking for ten cars with no reservation needed. See Around, Access, and Staying in Atsuma for more.
See also Things to Do near Atsuma and New Chitose Airport. For a stay at the inn in Atsuma, start with our official-site-only plans.
Frequently asked questions
How much is admission to the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum?
Admission is 400 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students. For groups of twenty or more it is 350 and 100 yen.
When is the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum closed?
It is closed from 16 December to 15 January. It also closes on Mondays from 16 November to 15 December and from 16 January to 15 April, and opens from 9:00 to 16:30.
What are Nibutani-ita and Nibutani-attus?
Nibutani-ita are carved wooden trays, and Nibutani-attus is cloth woven from bark. On 8 March 2013 they became the first crafts in Hokkaido designated as traditional crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Can I visit Nibutani from Mori no Auberge Mitsu?
Yes, if you come by car you can drive on to Nibutani in Biratori. The inn is about 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport and about 15 minutes from the Atsuma interchange, with free parking for ten cars. Rates are subject to change; please check the booking site before you travel.