MASCOTS around Japan : Bringing Good Luck and Protection, The Wise "Fukurou" of Hokkaido

To the Japanese owls are a symbol of good luck and protection. Sacred to the Ainu people – Hokkaido’s indigenous tribe, Ezo Shima Fukurou is frequently referred to as Kotan-kor Kamuy (divine being).

MASCOTS around Japan : Bringing Good Luck and Protection, The Wise “Fukurou” of Hokkaido

The Fukurou of the Ainu people, Hokkaido.

To the Japanese owls are a symbol of good luck and protection. Owls of Hokkaido or better known as Fukurou in Japanese and has been around as long as the ancient forest in Hokkaido. With its lush rainforest and abundance of fish, naturally the most northern part of Hokkaido became the ideal home and hunting ground to these magnificent creatures. Sacred to the Ainu people – Hokkaido’s indigenous tribe, Ezo Shima Fukurou is frequently referred to as Kotan-kor Kamuy (divine being).

There are a few types of fukurou on the island of Hokkaido. Shima Fukurou also known as Blakiston’s Fish Owl is the most largest (about 70 cm tall or a little more) and most revered one among the Ainu people. You can tell it apart by its size and distinctive yellow eyes. There is also the Ezo fukurou an Ural Owl a sub-branched (slightly smaller in size) from Shima Fukurou. If you are lucky to spot wild Shiro Fukurou in the snow also known as White Owl. Make a trip down to Ainu Kotan or Ainu Village on the east side of the town. Over here you can learn more on the lives of the Ainu people and Ezo Shima Fukurou it’s protector. Go back in time at the Ainu Museum. Walk along and explore the Ainu village, here you can purchase Ainu crafts of woodcarving work and embroidery work hand made by the Ainu tribe.

Apple Japan has put together the perfect itinerary: HOKKAIDO AUTUMN SEASON (SEP-OCT) *To note not all tour itinerary to Hokkaido includes visit to Ainu Kotan!

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