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Nibutani (二風谷) is a riverside Ainu kotan (village) on Saru-gawa in the western part of Hidaka Region. A famous Ainu cultural leader Kayano Shigeru was born and raised in this village, he made an effort to improve ethnic status. Today Nibutani is difficult to visit by public transport, but you will feel the Ainu spirit.
Sightseeing
The artificial lake Nibutani-ko (にぶたに湖) was formed by the 1997 Nibutani Dam (二風谷ダム) on the Saru-gawa, one of Ainu’s most important cultural places. You can walk around the lakeside promenade and on the dam.
Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
平取町立二風谷アイヌ文化博物館
2min walk from Shiryokan-mae bus stop
One of Hidaka’s ‘must sees’, the Ainu culture museums contains huge collection of crafts, livingware, dugout canoes, folk arts, cloths, as well as recorded folk songs, videos and photos donated by Kayano Shigeru. There are several Ainu’s restored chise (traditional thatched houses) and craft shops around the museum. The website is a good resource.
Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum
萱野茂 二風谷アイヌ資料館
2min walk from Shiryokan-mae bus stop
Located in the east of the village, this small private museum showcased unique livingware of Ainu and overseas ethnic peoples collected by Kayano Shigeru. The Ainu’s restored thatched houses set on the front garden with more than 100 species of Hokkaido trees.
Historical Museum of the Saru River
沙流川歴史館
2min walk from Shiryokan-mae bus stop
Adjoining the Ainu culture museum, this semi-underground lakeside museum focuses on the history of Saru-gawa and its basins, with archaeological materials of Biratori.
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Hotels
Photo: じゃらんnet
Hotel Shun Hidaka Biratori
Tabist 駿 日高平取
2min walk from Biratori bus stop
In Central Biratori near the town’s main bus stop, you will find this newly-renovated hotel with stylish rooms, coin-operated washing machines and a cafe.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Biratori Onsen Yukara
びらとり温泉ゆから
1min walk from Biratori-onsen bus stop
The modern onsen Yukara is a good place for soak or stay after a stroll. Nonguests can use their onsen. The restaurant Tomato serves Biratori beef steak and set meals. It is about 1.5km north of Nibutani. There are several local buses to the onsen from Biratori direction.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Tomikawa City Hotel