Home > Kyoto This Month > Museums, Theatre & Other Fun



GOLDEN PAVILION AREA



Kyoto Prefectural Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts
Insho Domoto (1891-1975; born in Kyoto) ranks as one of Japan's top 20th-century painters; during his long and highly productive career he achieved renown for both his impressionist and abstract work; 500 yen; 9:30-17:00 (enter by 16:30); closed Mon.; Tel: 075-463-0007.



Kyoto Shosuikaku Nishijin Ori Museum
Experience the wonder of exquisite textile and art reproductions using super-fine Nishijin weaving techniques; Tel: 075-431-1670.



Nishijin Textile Center
Kyoto kimono and obi textile arts; exhibits include a Jacquard loom; an hourly kimono show, and many Nishijin textile products; 9:00-17:00; Tel: 075-451-9231.



Urasenke Center
This center, the headquarters of Japan's leading tea ceremony school, regularly features exhibitions related to Chado, the Way of Tea; for details visit their website; 800 yen; 9:30-16:30; closed Mon.; Tel: 075-431-6474.




KIYOMIZU TEMPLE AREA




Kawai Kanjiro's House
The fascinating home and studio of mingei (folk art) potter/designer Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966); 900 yen; 10:00-17:00, closed Mon.; Tel: 075-561-3585.


Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum
Until Feb. 29: The Golden Age of Cloisonne: The Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum is the first museum in Japan to build a permanent collection of metalwork, cloisonne, makie lacquerware and Kyoto Satsuma Ware artworks from the late Edo to the early Meiji period (17-19th century). This special exhibition focuses on the fascinating world of cloisonné arts from this period; 500 yen; 10:00-17:00; Closed Mon. & Tues..


Memorial Museum of Kondo Yuzo
Kondo Yuzo (1902-1985) is known for his exquisite pottery glaze paintings; 500 yen; 10:00-17:00; closed Wed.; Tel: 075-561-2917.



NIJO CASTLE AREA



Kyoto Shibori Kogeikan
Learn traditional shibori dyeing (a Japanese tie-dye textile technique); The experience takes about 90 min.; 3,000 yen; Reservations required; They also have kimono and scarves in their craft shop; 9:00-17:00; Closed irregularly; Tel: 075-221-4252.



Horino Memorial Museum
At this museum, formerly the residence of the founder of Kinshi Masamune (one of Japan's most respected sake producers), visitors can see how sake is made and enjoy the taste of freshly brewed sake; 300 yen; 11:00-17:00 (beer hall: 11:00-21:00); closed: Mon.; Tel: 075-223-2072.



Gallery@KCUA
A small gallery of contemporary art works by university students of the Kyoto City University of Arts; 11:00-19:00, closed Mon.; on the north side of Oike, east of Horikawa; Tel: 075-334-2204.



GION AREA


Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art
Until Feb. 26: Robert Doisneau Exhibition: The museum's private collection of photos by the famous French photographer, Robert Doisneau (1912-1994), will be exhibited. Permanent: This fantastic private museum, in the Gion district, has four, serene floors of wonderful Japanese paintings and sculpture and a roof-top moss garden; 1,000 yen; 10:00-17:30 (entry until 17:00), closed Mon.; Tel: 075-525-1311.



Tetsuo Ishihara Museum of Traditional Japanese Hairstyles
This museum displays 115 different hairstyles and over 300 exquisite hair ornaments; all labeled in English; 600 yen; 10:00-17:00, closed Wed.; Tel: 075-551-9071.



Yasui Kompira Emado Museum
An extraordinary collection of ema, a common form of hand-painted shrine votive prayer tablet; 500 yen; 10:00-16:00, closed Mon.; Tel: 075-561-5127.



HEIAN SHRINE AREA




Hosomi Museum
Feb. 7-April 1: Elegant Japanese Beauty: A variety of Japanese art forms from the museum's private collection will be exhibited, 1,000 yen; ''Koko-an'', a traditional Japanese tea ceremony room, on the top floor of the museum, offers visitors a chance to experience tea ceremony; The facilities also include a fine museum shop, café & restaurant; 10:00-18:00, closed Mon. (or Tues, if Mon is a natl. holiday); Tel: 075-752-5555.



Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art
Until March 25: Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection 2: Considering Pattern/Design: This exhibition focuses on the attractions of pattern/design, ranging from traditional patterns to the original designs by contemporary craft artists, in craft works of all kinds; 500 yen; 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30), closed Mon. except natl. holidays; Tel: 075-771-4107.



Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
Exhibits of and information related to all of Kyoto’s craft traditions; including educational videos and a small library; guidance available in English, Chinese and Korean; Until Feb. 5: Shinto Articles and Costumes: Costumes and special articles used in religious rituals in Shinto shrines will be exhibited; Feb. 10-Mar. 4: Traditional Kyoto Doll Exhibition: About 35 traditional Kyoto-style dolls will be exhibited; Traditional Craft Demonstrations: Every day (except for Mon.) from 10:00 to 16:30, visitors can observe experienced Kyoto craftsmen at work; Maiko Dance: Dance performances by a real maiko; every Sun., from 14:00-15:30 (3 performances); open 9:00-17:00; free of charge.



Namikawa Cloisonne Museum of Kyoto
Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927) was the greatest Japanese modern master of cloisonne (enamelware); 10:00-16:30; closed Mon., Thurs.; 600 yen; Tel: 075-752-3277.




Zohiko Urushi Museum
Feb. 2-April 3: Exhibition of Hina Dolls and Decorative Items belonging to the Nishimura family, owners of the Zohiko Company: Zohiko has been creating and selling lacquer ware for 350 years. In this exhibition, the Nishimura family’s private hina doll collection will be displayed for public viewing. Many of these exquisite dolls and decorative items, including miniature furniture, are luxuriously decorated with maki-e, glazed porcelain and glass. The museum offers the public a unique opportunity to see many of Japan's finest examples of lacquer work ranging from the late Edo period to the present; 300 yen; 10:00-17:00; Closed: Wed.; Tel: 075-752-7790.

IMPERIAL PALACE AREA


Adachi Kumihimo Gallery
A wide range of kumihimo braiding from different eras of Japanese history are exhibited; 500 yen; 9:00-16:00; closed Sun., national holidays; 2nd, 3rd, 4th Sat.; Tel: 075-432-4113.



Raku Museum
Until Mar. 4: ‘Iki’ Taste of Kyoto, Raku’s New Year Decoration: Tea ceremony bowls by successive masters of the Raku Family from the first generation to the present 15th-generation master; 800 yen; 10:00-16:30; closed Mon.; Tel: 075-414-0304.



Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum
Until Mar. 20: Sotatsu Tawaraya Revival: Sotatsu Tawaraya was one of Japan's most famous and dynamic artists in the early 17th century. The museum's private collection of Sotatsu's and other related artists' folding screen paintings and art works will be exhibited; Permanent: Precious treasures (screens, scrolls, etc.) of Zen history and culture (1200-1800) belonging to the Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji Zen temples; 800 yen; 10:00-17:00; Tel: 075-241-0423.




DOWNTOWN AREA



Kyoto Art Center
The Kyoto Art Center was set up to support young artists and encourages the preservation of Kyoto's traditional arts; Quiet cafe/bar on the 1st floor; Tel: 075-213-1000.


The Museum of Kyoto
Feb. 1-Mar. 25: Hokusai: To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Hokusai’s birth, masterpieces from the Honolulu Academy of Arts will be exhibited; Permanent: Kyoto art and craft masterworks, film and theatre exhibits, Kyoto archaeological artifacts, local crafts and more!; the museum building also has a section of quality shops, restaurants, and a cafe; 10:00-19:30 (enter by 19:00); Closed Mon. & the day after natl. holidays; 500 yen; Tel: 075-222-0888.


Kyoto International Manga Museum
Japan's first museum dedicated to the world of manga comics; a collection of more than 200,000 manga and related materials;10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 in Aug.); 800 yen; Tel: 075-254-7414



Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Museum
Feb. 1-29: Winter Special Exhibition: Netsuke fasteners were created to hang inro (a pillbox), cigarette cases and pouches from a man's kimono sash; Most are carved from ivory, wood or animal horns. Some are made from ceramic. Many are decorated with other materials. This special exhibition is a unique opportunity to see these fascinating mini-sculptures. About 400 netsuke will be on display in this massive old samurai house; 10:00-17:00; 1,200 yen; Tel: 075-802-7000; www.netsukekan.jp/



Onishi Seiwemon Museum
The Onishi family is one of the few families left in Japan that still make fine iron tea kettles for the Japanese tea ceremony; 10:00-16:30 (enter by 16:00); 700 yen; closed until Mar.26, Mon. & between special exhibitions; Tel: 075-221-2881.



Shiorian Museum
A stunning traditional machiya townhouse devoted to kimono culture; superb Japanese-style interiors; 500 yen; 10:00-17:00, closed irregularly; advanced reservation required; Tel: 075-241-0215.




KYOTO STATION AREA



Kyoto National Museum
Until Feb. 26: Modern Chinese Painting and Japan: This exhibition showcases works by modern Chinese painters. The works are part of the Suma Collection, which was recently donated to the Kyoto National Museum. The exhibition shows how innovative leaders of modern Chinese painting circles were influenced by painting developments in Japan; 1,200 yen; 9:30-18:00; Closed Mon.; Tel: 075-542-2473.



Museum Eki KYOTO (7F of Isetan Dept. Store)
This small museum in the Isetan department store regularly holds special exhibitions; 10:00-20:00 (until 17:00 on the last day); Tel: 075-352-1111.



Saga/Arashiyama AREA



Saga Toriimoto Town Preservation Center
Saga's Toriimoto area (near Arashiyama) is intimately connected with Atago Shrine (home to the God of Fire Protection); there are a number of well-preserved thatch-roof farmhouses in the area; 10:00-16:00; closed Mon.; Tel: 075-864-2406.


Kyoto Japanese Folk Dolls Museum
This museum has a wide collection of old and traditional Japanese folk dolls from all over the country; this exhibition is focused on small Tenjin dolls; 9:30-17:00; closed Tues. & between special exhibitions; 800 yen; Tel: 075-882-1421.


OTHER AREAS



Kameoka Exchange Center
The Kameoka Exchange Center (KEC) hosts a wide range of activities and events related the exchange of culture between Kameoka’s citizens and foreign countries; 1) Lessons and lectures on multi-cultural topics. 2) Hosting artists and groups from around the world that are interested in studying about Japan. 3) Home-stay programs; for more information see KEC's homepage; Kameoka is just west of Kyoto and can be reached in about 30 minutes on the JR system from Kyoto Station or Nijo Station on the Tozai subway line; free shuttle buses to KEC depart regularly from JR Kameoka Stn., Namikawa Stn., and Chiyokawa Stn; Tel: 0771-26-5001; Fax: 0771-26-5002.



Miho Museum
The Miho Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, opened in November 1997. The museum's stunning collection includes Japanese tea ceremony art, Buddhist art, Japanese ceramics, and masterpiece works from ancient civilizations the world over; 10:00-17:00 (entry until 16:00); closed Mon. & between exhibitions; Tel: 0748-82-3411; the museum will closed until Mar. 9.


Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum
Permanent: original unique art works by 30 artists based in the Kansai region; a fine museum set in a vast garden; the annex was designed by Tadao Ando and is home to a water lily Monet original; 10:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30); closed: Mon.; 700 yen; Tel: 075-957-3123; a 15-min. walk from JR Yamazaki Stn. or Hankyu Oyamazaki Stn..



Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
This museum introduces the fascinating history of sake brewing through its valuable collection of traditional brewing tools and other interesting exhibits related to the production of sake; sake tasting is also part of the museum tour; 300 yen; 9:30-16:30; Closed mid. Aug. & at the end and beginning of the year; Tel: 075-623-2056.



Kyoto International Community House
KICH (open 9:00-21:00, closed Mon., unless a national holiday, in which case it is closed on the following day, Tues.) has a wide variety of facilities and services, including an excellent library (open 9:30-20:30, closed Mon.); computer/internet cafe, an excellent notice/ad board section, and free immigration/legal consulting services; Traditional Japanese Arts: enquire; The Way of Sencha: Tue.; 14:00-16:00; enquire; Japanese Classes: Fri.; beginners: 13:00-15:00, 18:00-20:00; intermediate: 15:30-17:30; enquire; Tel: 752-3511; http://www.kcif.or.jp/en/


Byodo-in Museum Hosho-kan
Byodo-in Temple's (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) museum is considered to be the first modern temple museum in Japan; It was designed to securely house the temple's many national treasures in a facility suitable for public viewing; the museum also has a superb gift shop; 600 yen; 9:00-17:00; Tel: 0774-21-2861; http://www.byodoin.or.jp/

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