2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Hokkaido, Japan

Akanko Ainu Theatre Ikor

From late April to October there are excellent traditional dance performances or puppet shows four or five times a day starting at 11 am and lasting about 30 minutes. The venue's seating faces a wall that's open to the outside, which gives the performances a dynamic natural background. The 9 pm show includes fire performances from the Iomante (a traditional ceremonial bear sacrifice that was once a part of Ainu village life—an actual bear is no longer sacrificed). Performances cost ¥1,080. During the day, there are also craft workshops available.

Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor

From late April to November there are excellent traditional dance performances such as "The Epic Story of the Fire God." Unfortunately, the puppet theatre is only available for group bookings and doesn't have daily performances for general visitors. The venue's seating faces a wall that's open to the outside, which gives the performances a dynamic natural background. During the day, there are also craft workshops available.