If you like crafts and handmade, then paying the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design a visit will be a no-brainer for you. But if you’re on the verge of deciding whether or not to put it on your to visit list, we’ll give you 4 undeniable reasons why you should do it!

1) A better understanding of Japanese culture and the local way of doing things.

Material culture tells a lot about a national character. Kyoto was the capital and the cultural heart of Japan for over 1,100 years, and it still is. Taking a closer look at Kyoto traditional crafts, learning about the level of skill and devotion that are poured into the craft processes and techniques will tell you more about Japanese people than any guidebook would do. It doesn’t matter how advanced Japan became in modern technologies, some things still can only be made by hand. In fact, many world-known Japanese companies have their roots in traditional industries. Did you know that Nintendo started with producing handmade playing cards?

2) All 74 categories of Kyoto traditional crafts in one place.

Let’s get practical: while there are many shops where you can find local crafts in Kyoto, the Museum of Crafts and Design is the most comprehensive place to explore them all at once. Museum’s permanent exhibition includes not only the samples of 74 categories of Kyoto traditional crafts, but also gives valuable insight into the production processes via numerous touch panels, detailed descriptions and even craft demonstrations.

3) Quality shopping.

The Museum Shop is another reason for not skipping the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design on your trip to Kyoto. With a variety of high-quality handmade craft items in one place, you’ll have no need to run around Kyoto streets at the last moment trying to find locally produced genuine goods for your home or souvenirs for your friends and family. From postcards to kitchen knives, there is something for all budgets.

4) Convenient central location.

The last but not least reason for visiting the Museum is its location: situated in the heart of Okazaki park area, it is surrounded by major Kyoto sightseeing spots:

・Kamogawa river and downtown with its shopping streets on the west;

・Heian-Jingu Shrine on the north;

・Higashiyama area with its numerous temples and the Philosopher’s Path on the east;

・Gion entertainment district on the south.

Plus, if you like art, you’ll be happy to find two other museums in the vicinity, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.

You’ll find all the information to prepare your visit to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design here. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Words & images by Anastasiya Bulkavets (ArigatoCreative.co)