A Cultural Journey from Northern Hokkaido to Southern Okinawa
Discover Distinct Traditions Preserved Across Generations
Japan may appear long and slender on a world map, yet its chain of islands stretches nearly 3,000 kilometers from north to south. The distance from Hokkaido, the northernmost region, to Okinawa, the southernmost, exceeds that between Paris and Athens. Separated by such great distance, these two regions are shaped by completely different climates, landscapes, and cultural environments.
In the far north, Ainu traditions have been passed down through a deep and respectful relationship with forests, lakes, and the surrounding natural world.
In the far south, the classical performing art of Kumiodori carries the legacy of the former Ryukyu Kingdom through graceful dance, refined music, and poetic dialogue.
Shiraoi in Hokkaido and Okinawa, the birthplace of Kumiodori, offer travelers a rare opportunity to encounter two profoundly different cultural traditions within a single country. What unites these distant regions is the deep pride and enduring commitment of the local people in preserving and transmitting their heritage.
Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Ainu Culture Rooted in Nature and Sustained by Its People
Shiraoi, about a 45-minute train ride from New Chitose Airport, is surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains, the sea, and the serene waters of Lake Poroto, whose name means “large lake” in the Ainu language. The Ainu people have lived closely with this natural environment for generations and developed a unique culture that includes their own language, a spiritual belief that all things in the natural world possess souls, traditional dance, and embroidery with Ainu patterns. Their knowledge, stories, and artistry continue to be preserved and shared today.
A visit to “Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park” offers an introduction to Ainu history, language, and worldview.
Yet the heart of the experience lies in meeting the local people who carry these traditions forward. Through activities such as forest walks and hands-on Ainu embroidery, visitors can encounter the living Ainu culture.
Cultural experiences for travelers in Shiraoi
- Walk around Lake Poroto with an Ainu cultural expert guide* and learn stories.
- Try Ainu embroidery, where each pattern carries meaning passed down through families
- Enjoy local cuisine, including Shiraoi Beef and dishes prepared with regional ingredients.
- Relax in the rare moor hot springs, valued for their plant-derived minerals
*Guides from Shiraoi Omotenashi Guide Center will accompany you.
Tips
- Easy to combine Sapporo and Shiraoi on the same trip (about a 70-minute drive). The Sapporo Snow Festival will take place every February (4-11, 2026).
- Book Ainu cultural experiences in advance.
- Stay near Lake Poroto for peaceful scenery. Noboribetsu hot spring resort is also close, about a 30-minute drive.
- Midwinter temperatures often fall below freezing, so warm clothing is essential.
More travel ideas:
Kumiodori, Okinawa
A Classical Performing Art Carried Forward for Over 300 Years
Okinawa enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, with average temperatures around 23°C and winter days rarely below 10°C. While the season is a little cool for relaxing on the beach, winter is an ideal time to explore Okinawa’s traditional performing arts. The highlight is Kumiodori, a classical dance-drama performed for more than three centuries and inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What Is Kumiodori?
Kumiodori is a traditional musical theatre that weaves together three elements:
- Dance, based on Ryukyu classical gestures and movement
- Music, featuring songs accompanied by the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument
- Dialogue, often delivered in the classical language of Okinawa
Its origin dates back to the early 18th century, when Okinawa was governed by the Ryukyu Kingdom. Created by the royal government of Shuri in 1719 to welcome Chinese imperial envoys, Kumiodori blended ancient stories and performing arts with elements from Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki. It was around this time that Shushin Kaneiri, shown in the photograph, was first performed.
Even after the Ryukyu Kingdom came to an end, and despite political shifts and social change, Kumiodori survived in community theatres through the dedication of its performers. Today, performers continue to nurture and share it with new generations.
National Theatre Okinawa plays a central role in training emerging artists, ensuring that this remarkable cultural heritage continues to flourish.
Where to Experience Kumiodori
National Theatre Okinawa, located about a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport or Shurijo Castle Park, offers regular performances of Kumiodori and other traditional performing arts of Okinawa in its 600-seat main theatre.
State-of-the-art design makes the venue accessible and welcoming for first-time visitors, with multilingual program booklets, audio guides, and subtitle tablets available. Workshops, musical instruments like the sanshin sessions, and opportunities to try on traditional Ryukyuan costumes are also offered.
Tips
- Arrive early to read program notes, visit the reference room, and deepen your appreciation
- Combine your visit with Shurijo Castle Park and imagine Kumiodori once performed in the royal court
- Renting a car makes exploring Okinawa convenient and flexible