KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE (GOLDEN PAVILION) AREA

Nishijin Textile Center
Kyoto kimono and obi textile arts; exhibits include a Jacquard loom and tsuzure (finger-nail weaving) loom (demonstrated daily); an hourly kimono show, and many Nishijin textile products; 9:00-17:00; Tel: 451-9231.

Orinasu Kan
Exquisite kimono and obi exhibited in a large restored Nishijin machiya townhouse; live demonstrations of traditional textile weaving, etc.; 500 yen; 10:00-16:00, closed Mon.; Tel: 431-0020.

Urasenke Center
Special exhibitions related to Chado, the Way of Tea, at this world-famous tea school's modern headquarters; the gallery on the 2F features a perfectly constructed traditional tearoom; here, visitors can experience a bowl of maccha tea, served with a Japanese traditional sweet; in their ''make-it -yourself'' corner you can learn how to make a bowl of maccha tea; Tel: 431-6474; for current exhibition details, see gallery news at: www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/index/html

KIYOMIZU 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: 561-3585.

Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum
Until 8/24: Namikawa Yasuyuki Exhibition: Namikawa Yasuyuki was a prominent cloisonné artist in the Meiji period (1868-1912); this exhibition focuses on his colorful and elegant cloisonné work; 500 yen; also on pg.

Kyoto Tojiki Kaikan
An excellent selection of Kyoto ceramics on display and for sale; 9:30-17:00; Tel: 541-1102.

Memorial Museum of Kondo Yuzo
Works by Kondo Yuzo (1902-1985), a living national treasure known for his exquisite pottery glaze paintings; also a gift shop; 500 yen; 10:00-17:00; closed Wed.; Tel: 561-2917.

Studio Hanare
This beautiful gallery, owned by a very knowledgeable and friendly Japanese couple, displays fine ceramic works by various Kyoto artists that are part of Roku Roku Dou's collection; Roku Roku Dou also has a fine authentic tea room built into their shop; special exhibitions of tea ceremony utensils are also held here; 10:00-18:00; free; for details, see on pg.

NIJO CASTLE AREA

Kyoto Shibori Kogeikan
Learn traditional shibori dyeing (a Japanese tie-dye textile technique); about 90 min.; 3,000 yen; reservations required; they also have kimonos and scarves in their craft shop; 10:00-17:00 (closed irregularly); Tel: 221-4252.

GINKAKU-JI TEMPLE (SILVER PAVILION) AREA

Hakusa-sonso (Hashimoto Kansetsu Museum)
Exquisite art works that belonged to master painter Hashimoto Kansetsu (1883-1945); enjoy green tea from the veranda overlooking a huge garden; 800 yen; 10:00-17:00; Tel: 751-0446.

GION AREA

Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art
This fantastic private museum, in the Gion district, has four, serene floors of wonderful Japanese paintings and sculpture (there are only a few works on each floor), and a roof-top moss garden with a lovely maple tree; 1,000 yen; 10:00-18:00 (entry until 17:30), closed Mon.; Tel: 525-1311.

Testuo Ishihara Museum of Traditional Japanese Hairstyles
Mr. Ishihara, a kami yui san (old-world Japanese specialty hairdresser), has been styling the hair of geiko/maiko for more than 20 years; this museum displays 115 different hairstyles and over 300 exquisite hair ornaments; all labeled in English; 10:00-17:00, closed Wed..

Yasui Kompira Emado Museum
An extraordinary collection of art and prayer painted on wood called ema, a common form of hand-painted shrine votive prayer tablet; there are also two rooms of paintings that show Kyoto before modern times; the shrine is at the beginning (or end) of a fine lane that leads through the backstreets of old, traditional Gion; 500 yen; 10:00-16:00, closed Mon.; Tel: 561-5127.

HEIAN SHRINE AREA

Hosomi Museum
Until 7/27: Museum's 10th Anniversary Exhibition: Classic Age: a selection of the museum's fine collection of classic Buddhist art, makie lacquer decoration, cloisonné, ceramics will be displayed; also a fine museum shop and a cafe; 10:00-18:00, closed Mon. (or Tues, if Mon is a natl hol); Tel: 752-5555.

Kampo Museum
6/28-9/7: Calligraphy from the Heart: Kampo Harada (1911-1995) was a great Japanese calligrapher who actively promote Japanese calligraphy overseas; this exhibition features some of his calligraphy works and other works; 600 yen; 10:00-16:00; Tel: 771-7130

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art
Until 8/31: Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection 2: Chromatic Symphony: In this exhibition the history and development of the raw materials and techniques which gave birth to color present another way of looking at Kyoto paintings; Permanent: ceramics, sculpture, scrolls, calligraphy; 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30), closed Mon. except natl. hols.; Tel: 771-4107.

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
Until 7/21: Edo and Momoyama Period Jidai Matsuri Festival Costumes: The Jidai Matsuri Festival held in October is one of Kyoto's biggest traditional events. During the festival a procession of people wearing traditional costumes from all major historical periods (794-1868) walk through the city. This exhibition features a stunning range of gorgeous festival costumes dating from the Meiji and Edo period (1600-1868);Permanent: exhibits on all of Kyoto's craft traditions; plus videos and a small library; guidance available in English, Chinese and Korean; for details see on pg.

Namikawa Cloisonne Museum of Kyoto
Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927) was the greatest Japanese modern master of cloisonne (enamelware); set in an extraordinary old building built in 1894; 10:00-16:30; closed Mon., Thurs. & mid-Aug- to the end of Sept & mid-Dec.-mid-Mar.; 600 yen; Tel: 752-3277 (only Japanese spoken).

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Permanent: paintings, ceramics, sculpture, prints and photos by Japanese and foreign artists; 9:30-17:00 (enter by 16:30), closed Mon. and the day after natl hols; Tel: 761-4111.

IMPERIAL PALACE AREA

Adachi Kumihimo Gallery
Kumihimo (braided cord) is elegant form of traditional craftsmanship. A wide range of kumihimo from different eras of Japanese history are exhibited. Visitors can try braiding (reservation required); 9:00-16:00; closed Sun., national holidays; 2nd, 3rd, 4th Sat.

Hata Museum
Stunning Kyo-yuzen kimono by Tokio Hata (1911- ), a Japanese Living National Treasure since 1988; a video (Eng. & French) shows how these amazing kimono are made; the staff speaks English; reserve in advance; Tel: 441-7327.

Raku Museum
tea bowls of past Raku masters and the present 15th-generation master, Kichizaemon; 800 yen; 10:00-16:30; closed Mon.; Tel: 414-0304.

Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum
Precious treasures (screens, scrolls, etc.) of Zen history and culture (1200-1800) belonging to the Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji Zen temples; 600 yen; 10:00-17:00; Tel: 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; an excellent space to escape the downtown rush; quiet cafe/bar on the 1st floor; Tel: 213-1000.

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; 10:00-16:00 (enter by 16:00); 700 yen; closed Mon. & between special exhibitions; Tel: 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: 241-0215.

The Museum of Kyoto
Until 7/21: Beauty of Kyoto in Paintings: beautiful paintings of Kyoto scenery; Craft Gallery (3F): Kyoto art and craft masterworks; and Kyoto archaeological artifacts, local crafts & toys; volunteer English service available (enquire for details); 10:00-19:30 (enter by 19:00), closed Mon. & the day after natl. hols; 500 yen (incl. annex and gallery); Tel: 222-0888.

KYOTO STATION AREA

Costume Museum
Heian period clothing, and furniture, fittings and dolls in miniature palaces; 400 yen; 9:00-17:00, closed September; 5F Izutsu Bldg; Tel: 342-5345.

Kyoto National Museum
Until 7/27: Seventy Years Later: Sugimoto Tetsuro's Reproduction of the Ajanta and Sigiriya Cave Paintings: The painter Sugimoto Tetsuro (1899-1985) copied the cave paintings in the Ajanta and Sigiriya caves of India from 1937 to 1938, becoming the first foreigner to undertake this large task; 7/23-8/31: Sakamoto Ryoma: This exhibition on Sakamoto Ryoma (1835-1867) features objects owned by the revolutionary hero. Historically related manuscripts from the end of the Tokugawa government will be on display; 500 yen; free entry 2nd & 4th Sat. of the month, except for special exhibits; 9:30-17:00 (entry by 16:30); closed Mon. (or Tues., if Mon. is a natl. hol); Tel: 541-1151.

The Kyoto Roads Museum
At this museum you can learn all about the history and development of Kyoto's road network, since the mid-15th century, through books, and maps; the museum is especially popular for its exquisite reproduction of a highly-detailed painted screen showing the daily life of 2,500 Kyoto people 450 years ago; Tel: 351-3300.

OTHER AREAS

Kameoka Exchange Center
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; main@kkoryu.com

Miho Museum
7/12-8/17: Rhyton: Ancient Sacred Drinking Vessels: an exhibit of animal-shaped vessels from over four thousand years ago; the displays trace the myths and legends from the Mediterranean to Central Asia related to these vessels; Permanent: 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 on Mon. & between exhibitions; Note: the museum will be closed until 7/11: Tel: (0748) 82-3411; also see on pg.

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 rental, CNN, a coffee shop, notice/ad boards, and free immigration/legal consulting services; Traditional Japanese Arts: these classes are for everyone, regardless of nationality; foreigners 3,000 yen (Japanese 6,000 yen); 500 yen/person (except for Easy Japanese) to observe a single class; Japanese Classes: Fri.; beginners: 13:00-15:00, 18:00-20:00; intermediate: 15:30-17:30; 3,000 yen (for 3 month registration); Tel: 752-3511. KICH information is now available in 4 languages at www.kcif.or.jp; office@kcif.or.jp

Noh & Kyogen Theater
Slow and stately, Noh is an exquisite art form. Comical Kyogen developed as a way to provide comic relief between Noh scenes or plays. English summarises area often provided at the door.

Kanze Noh Theatre
7/5: Sugiura Teiki Koh: from 13:00; 3,200 yen
7/26: Omoshiro Nohgaku Kan: from 13:00; 4,000 yen; Tel: 771-6114.

Kongo Noh Theatre
Tel: 441-7222