Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Encounter the beauty and technique of Kyoto traditional crafts We feature the history, processes etc.of each of the 74 kinds of traditional crafts, which have conveyed the history and culture of Kyoto with products and videos. Kyoto, the old capital, was established in 794 as Heian-kyo, and developed as the center of politics, culture and industry. Throughout history, Kyoto has kept taking in new ideas, while at the same time keeping the old ones, and has created various kinds of crafts by utilizing the advantage of a sophisticated design sense coupled with an advanced local economy. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design is the place where many people discover the industry and culture of Kyoto as well as being introduced to the beauty and technique that have been inherited here.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: City Center
No district of Kyoto is quite as representative of its blended nature as the City Center. By day, the covered shopping arcades along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street bring deal hunters and fashionistas out in droves to peruse the clothing, accessories, gifts, and home goods offerings. When it grows dark, the City Center is a hip spot for nightlife, alive with bars and clubs. A trendy culinary scene and an abundance of local watering holes give the Center its youthful vibrancy. In contrast, the quieter areas of the City Center seem a world away, shielded from noise by the foliage of the public gardens and zen spaces surrounding the area's shrines, castles, and the Imperial Palace. These ancient and sacred spots are seamlessly folded into the scenery, providing a respite from the energy of the city, but close enough to put you directly back onto the pulse of the city when you're ready.
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4.5
184 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
47
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Cheeps21
Singapore, Singapore442 contributions
Dec 2022
Lovely small museum space but very well designed with ample English descriptions. There are close to 10 hands-on activities like doing a furoshiki wrap, spinning tops, etc that are interesting for kids & adults.
An excellent showcase of Kyoto's rich craft traditions with the right amount of info and plenty of relevant artefacts & we spent slightly more than an hour there. There is supposed to be a design museum in the same building but it is closed. There are also other museums in the vicinity to warrant your visit to this area.
An excellent showcase of Kyoto's rich craft traditions with the right amount of info and plenty of relevant artefacts & we spent slightly more than an hour there. There is supposed to be a design museum in the same building but it is closed. There are also other museums in the vicinity to warrant your visit to this area.
Written 6 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clive C
Taipei, Taiwan14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This is an outstanding and engaging small museum great for rainy days or even a museum day. The curators have thought of ways to make a museum that is both enjoyable and entertaining. You can take photos freely and many exhibits have an interactive element. The entry was free on the day we went and there's a store selling exceptional pieces of Kyoto craft.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maapar
Mount Pleasant, SC938 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
So glad that we found this small museum. It was beautifully laid out and artists and craftsmen were actually demonstrating various crafts. It was fascinating and I cannot believe more people do not know about it. It should definitely be rated higher as a must see
Written 20 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gale W
St. Thomas43 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Beautiful museum with excellent displays explanations and exhibits. The whole family enjoyed. It gave me a good understanding of the incredible handiwork of Japan. Plenty of interactive displays. We spent 1.5 hours there. Nice shop and Café upstairs.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin L
Boston, MA33 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We loved the variety and quality of the students work! Both traditional and modern examples of traditional craft techniques. The staff are delightful and gracious. If you want to see and understand the skill and effort required to produce over 70 crafts this the place. Wheelchairs available and a simple but tasty cafe. Taxi stand out front so easy access.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yussharifuddin
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
Oct 2017 • Business
Are you exploring Japanese culture and aesthetics in Kyoto? Please visit the Fureaikan first. It is worth its weight in gold. You'll learn and able to appreciate the diverse Japanese traditional crafts especially when many of these are especially unique to Kyoto and treasured in Japan. You can even buy some of the items on display. As the Fureaikan is housed in the Miyako Messe, which itself is located close to other musea such as MoMAK, you'll be able to immerse yourself in culture whole day at these locations.
By an impressed Malaysian.
By an impressed Malaysian.
Written 11 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your warm review!! We are the only place where all the 74 categories of Kyoto traditional crafts can be discoverd at once. And this area has many museums, famous shrine 'Heian-jingu', big theater and so on. So you can enjoy all the day here.
Written 18 November 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue
Bonny Hills, Australia28 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We chose to break away from our tour group to go to the craft museum, and see a little of the less touristy parts of Kyoto. The craft museum was a highlight for me. The amazing design, skill and workmanship that goes into Japanese craft is second to none. The displays on show are amazing, and I was lucky enough to talk to a man who carves the most intricate woodwork. He spoke no English, so one of the staff was more than happy to translate for us. I would like to add that this very skilled artist was also very very humble, and thrilled that I was so interested in his craft. Most crafts in Japan are still done using traditional tools and methods, and there are lots of opportunities here to see an important part of the real Japan. Their attention to detail, mindfulness, tradition and artistic design is something that I wont forget. For me the museum is a must see.
Written 30 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear watonga29-san,
Thank you for visiting our Fureaikan and your warm comment.
We are very happy to know you enjoyed our museum very much.
As you pointed out, seeing the delicate process of making or having chat with the craftmen would be one of our precious contents. And this is the only place where people can learn about all the 74 categories of traditional craft in Kyoto.
If there are any friends who will visit kyoto, please recommend our museum!
And we are looking forward to seeing you again here someday.
Written 2 May 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
australiaman
Brisbane269 contributions
Sept 2011 • Solo
This museum is well worth a visit. You can get there by bus and there is a great temple across the road. In this museum there is a fine collection of Japanese dolls and other traditional craft objects. There are explanations about how the objects like fans, umbrellas, dolls, pottery, braids and furniture are made using traditional techniques. There are explanations in English. On the day I visited there were actual craftspeople making braids, gold application to metal and potters. Admission is free and the museum shop has the best quality and best priced souvenirs I saw during my visit to Kyoto. Not far from the museum is a place called the Traditional Crafts Centre. It is actually a souvenir shop that is way over priced. Buy your goodies at the museum shop instead.
Written 3 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma S
Melbourne35 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
Also known as Fureaikan Museum. We loved this museum. Admission is free. There is a fabulous shop stocking examples of the crafts for sale with helpful staff, some of whom speak English.
It isn't large and the collection shows a concise set of examples for each craft represented (of which there are at least 50).
However what made this place great was the videos they had playing showing craftsmen and women at work making the things on display. Unfortunately there is no handy seating because I could have watched these for hours. I was hoping to be able to buy a copy on DVD in the shop but unfortunately it isn't available. These are fabulous to watch, and there's no commentary so no need to read subtitles, and give a really good idea of what is involved in making the various items. There are four or five of these playing in various corners of the display area each showing a different set of crafts.
The other thing that made this place great was the demonstration platforms they had scattered throughout the floor (there were 4 in use when we visited) on which craftsmen and women are sat making whatever they specialise in. One the day we visited there was a carpenter making beautiful small boxes and drawers, a fan maker printing the fan papers with intricate designs using inked woodblocks, a metalsmith making inlaid buckles and boxes, and a weaver using a small drum loom to make a multi-coloured silk cord for tying an obi (wide belt for a kimono). I'm not sure if it's always the same crafts being demonstrated or if they vary from time to time. You can ask questions or just stand and watch for as long as you like. Not all speak English but are willing to try and understand what you're asking and to give a response. Pointing and hand gestures can convey a remarkable amount we discovered!
We walked east along Nijo Dori to get here - it's about a leisurely 20 minute walk from the Teramachi. I'm sure there would be buses if you don't fancy walking. I've attached a website that gives you details of how to get here.
The museum is in a larger building that houses other exhibitions and centres. Keep walking downstairs to the basement floor. There are signs to help you find your way. Entry is through the shop.
Toilets, lifts, kiosk/drink machines etc are all provided as part of the overall exhibition building facility rather than in the museum itself. (Although there might be loos somewhere in there - I didn't notice.)
It isn't large and the collection shows a concise set of examples for each craft represented (of which there are at least 50).
However what made this place great was the videos they had playing showing craftsmen and women at work making the things on display. Unfortunately there is no handy seating because I could have watched these for hours. I was hoping to be able to buy a copy on DVD in the shop but unfortunately it isn't available. These are fabulous to watch, and there's no commentary so no need to read subtitles, and give a really good idea of what is involved in making the various items. There are four or five of these playing in various corners of the display area each showing a different set of crafts.
The other thing that made this place great was the demonstration platforms they had scattered throughout the floor (there were 4 in use when we visited) on which craftsmen and women are sat making whatever they specialise in. One the day we visited there was a carpenter making beautiful small boxes and drawers, a fan maker printing the fan papers with intricate designs using inked woodblocks, a metalsmith making inlaid buckles and boxes, and a weaver using a small drum loom to make a multi-coloured silk cord for tying an obi (wide belt for a kimono). I'm not sure if it's always the same crafts being demonstrated or if they vary from time to time. You can ask questions or just stand and watch for as long as you like. Not all speak English but are willing to try and understand what you're asking and to give a response. Pointing and hand gestures can convey a remarkable amount we discovered!
We walked east along Nijo Dori to get here - it's about a leisurely 20 minute walk from the Teramachi. I'm sure there would be buses if you don't fancy walking. I've attached a website that gives you details of how to get here.
The museum is in a larger building that houses other exhibitions and centres. Keep walking downstairs to the basement floor. There are signs to help you find your way. Entry is through the shop.
Toilets, lifts, kiosk/drink machines etc are all provided as part of the overall exhibition building facility rather than in the museum itself. (Although there might be loos somewhere in there - I didn't notice.)
Written 25 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DKBKK
Bangkok, Thailand70 contributions
Jan 2017 • Solo
Spend an hour or two appreciating fine examples of traditional Japanese crafts and learn about the processes behind making everything from kimono fabrics to kyoto-style roof tiles, woodblock prints, pottery, and lacquerware. The museum is free to the public, but if you want to spend some of your yen there's a nice shop with a range of mostly handcrafted items that make excellent gifts and souvenirs.
Written 12 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear DKBKK-san,
Thank you for your visit and comment for our museum. We are really excited to know you thought our museum was one of the best in Kyoto!
Our museum is not well known but your comment will encourage the visitors to Kyoto.
Once again, we appreciate for your kind comment. We all hope to see you again here in near future.
Written 13 February 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are there any Japanese-to-English translations on the exhibit plaques or English-speaking guides at this museum?
Written 7 August 2024
Dear staff, I’m visiting Kyoto and would like to know if you are showing how traditional Japanese woodworking is done. I’m especially interested in seeing the craftsmen doing the traditional joinery used in buildings or in furniture. Sincerely Jens
Written 23 July 2019
You will see short segments on Japanese Joinery in the videos that play constantly at the museum. There may be a crafter on site but the person varies from day to day and I am not sure how to obtain a schedule.
Written 21 August 2019
What is the quickest route to get to the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts from the Kyoto Station? If we catch a taxi, about how much would it cost?
Written 29 July 2017
Yes, the quickest, and easiest way to get there is indeed by taxi. I really couldn't tell you how much it would cost; there are 2 different types of cabs with slightly different prices, it would depend on the season, weather, and day of the week how crowded the streets are, and finally which side of the station you depart from. There's also a subway station nearby. Use Google Maps to help you decide, click on "Directions"
Written 30 July 2017
Yuting L
Seattle, Washington
Dear staff:
What time is maiko dance on Sundays?
Thank you
Written 9 May 2015
Mocad
Kyoto, Japan
Dear Yuting L-san,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The maiko performance is held on every 3rd Sunday(May 17th, June 21st...) for 3 times; 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Admission free.
We are looking forward to seeing you at our museum soon!
Written 9 May 2015
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