Witness the careful carving of Ainu tales at an Ainu woodcarving studio
2 hour private experience
Location: Nibutani, Biratori, Hokkaido
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the master
What you’ll do
60min: Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum Guide Tour
60min: Mamoru’s Studio Tour
Includes
Entrance fee of Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
One Nibutani-ita (carving board) per group
(Additional Nibutani-ita is available with $320USD per board)
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (14:00 - 16:00)
About Ainu Culture
Nibutani Ita
“Ita” in Japanese literally translates as “board.” “Nibutani ita” are carved, flat wooden trays named for the Ainu town in which the craft flourished. Though they are made to be both durable and practical, they also serve as intricate works of art. The decorative patterns carved onto “Nibutani ita” have various symbolic meanings within Ainu culture. Examples of the meanings some of the more prominent patterns carry are “moreunoka” (swirl), “ramaramunoka” (fish scale), “aiushinoka” (needle), “shikunoka” (eye), and “koinoka” (wave). “Nibutani ita” carved trays have been designated a traditional craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
Who are the Ainu?
Ainu, a minority population in modern Japan, are the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Their unique culture sprang from the long, harsh winters typical on the far northern island. The word “ainu” itself means “human” in the Ainu language. Conceptually, the word “ainu” was used to differentiate humans from “kamui,” all other living things in nature. The Ainu language was solely a spoken language until the island of Hokkaido was annexed by Japan. At that time, the Japanese syllabary “katakana” was applied to the Ainu language. Many of the current place names on Hokkaido are of Ainu origin, and have also been rendered in “kanji” (Chinese characters). These place names, typically exceedingly difficult to read in “kanji,” are a lasting tribute to the indigenous Ainu culture and language of Hokkaido.
More information about Ainu Culture, History...
The Foundation for Ainu Culture
Traditional Ainu Folk Craft
Explore Ainu Heritage for a Deeper Understanding of Hokkaido
Access
Approx. 2.5 hour from Sapporo Station
(50 min Limited Express Train ride + 70-80 min taxi ride from Tomakomai station.)
Stories held in wooden sculpture
Mamoru grew up in Nibutani, the son of an Ainu wood carving craftsman. Reflecting on his childhood, Mamoru says, “The 1960s were a time of burgeoning domestic travel among the Japanese people which created intense interest in our Ainu culture. Nibutani became a tourist destination with bustling streets filled with shops selling traditional crafts. Crafts were sold almost before they were completed. It was a time that inspired many young apprentices to create craftware and celebrate our culture. I believe we have an obligation to continue nurturing our traditions from generation to generation. This nurturing is only realized through artisans who understand the culture and meanings of the various patterns they carve and weave. More than mere replicas, our crafts tell the stories and history of the Ainu people.”
Come visit Mamoru’s studio, listen to his soft-spoken words, and gaze upon his intricate sculptures, each with a story to tell.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
