Of all the indigenous people of Japan, the Ainu are arguably the most well recognised throughout both the Japanese and international communities, and yet despite that, so little is really known about them.

Although once the main population of Japan, the arrival of the migrating Yayoi people around 300 BC would force the Ainu northwards towards Tohoku, Hokkaido and the former Japanese islands of Karafuto. Already a disappearing culture, the Meiji restoration and the forced implementation of modern society that it brought with it would further threaten the Ainu during the 19th century; and now, only a handful of pockets remain on the island of Hokkaido that are dedicated to the preservation of Japan’s first civilised people.

On the shores of Hokkaido’s Lake Akan, Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the few settlements remaining on the island that is committed to the protection, revitalisation and continuation of Ainu culture. The settlement consists of 36 residences and is home to about 120 people.

At Akanko Ainu Kotan, visitors can experience a variety of crafts and performances that provide a glance into the life of Ainu. However, there is one experience in particular that we believe shouldn’t be missed – the Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA.

An interactive nature-based experience that combines the surrounding environment with digital technology, immersive sound and projection mapping, the Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA is designed to bring participants closer to the culture and beliefs of the Ainu than they’ve ever been able to be before.

What is "Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA"?

Held every night from spring through to autumn, the Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA is a fully immersive entertainment experience produced in collaboration with international multimedia studio MOMENT FACTORY.

Through the use of digital art, sounds, music and projection mapping, the event allows visitors to participate in an Ainu saga that conveys the importance of "coexisting with nature”. The event can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, who, once immersed in the story, can experience the world of Ainu and the natural beauty of Lake Akan with all five senses.

Participants are given a “rhythm stick” which is used as a guide along the 1.2km forested promenade that the event is set up at. This stick is made to resemble the appearance of traditional canes used by the Ainu when they would journey through the mountains and forests. Complete with a GPS tracker, speaker and light, the rhythm stick is essential to the experience and provides participants with story dialogue, narration and music alongside illumination to guide the way through the dark forest.

The story played out at Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA is based on the Ainu saga “The Story of the Jay God who saved people from the Great Famine”, which has been passed down through generations as a traditional Ainu ‘ikor’.

Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA will be held every night from the 14 of May through to the 14th of November 2022.

*As the story draws on the importance of nature, the event will continue even during rainfall. In the case of rain, the use of umbrellas is not permitted, because of this, it is best to dress appropriately with waterproofs and non-slip rain boots.

Akanko no Mori Night Walk KAMUY LUMINA

Dates: Early July through the 19th of November. The opening was originally scheduled for May but since then, the mating activities of the nationally protected black woodpecker have been observed, so the opening date has been postponed to early July, when the activities are expected to cease. The specific date will be announced on their website here.
Venue: Bokke Promenade, Akan Mashu National Park
Time: Performances begin 30 minutes after sunset, which will vary depending on the season. Stay up-to-date with seasonal time updates via the official ticketing website.
Performance time: Approximately 50 minutes

Ticket Fee

Advance Adults (Junior High and above): 3,000 yen
Advance Children (Elementary School): 1,500 yen
Same-day Adults: 3,500 yen
Same-day Children: 1,700 yen
*Free for preschoolers

Purchase tickets here.

Updated on May 16th, 12:15 am (JST): We have updated the information to reflect the fact that the opening date has been postponed from May to July.