In the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki City, there is the "Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft," which is the second folkcraft museum established in Japan.
At the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, you can not only learn about the history of folkcraft but also purchase folkcraft items.
In 2020, after renovation work, the museum was renewed, and the sales area became about three times larger.
The sales area, which now allows for a more relaxed experience, also enhances the joy of selecting your favorite folkcraft items.
We covered not only the variety of items available but also the thoughts behind the renewal.
What is the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft?
The Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft opened in 1948.
As mentioned at the beginning, it is the second folkcraft museum established in Japan, following the Japan Folk Craft Museum in Komaba, Tokyo.
Utilizing a rice storehouse built in the late Edo period, it is said that the building itself is a folkcraft item made by various artisans.
The collection of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft consists of tools that robustly serve various aspects of daily life, enhancing beautiful living.
It houses folkcraft items (i.e., folkcraft) that are useful not only in Japan but also in daily life around the world.
The renewed sales area is free to enter.
Even those who do not enter the exhibition room can freely view and purchase folkcraft items.
It's nice to be able to stop by casually.
Background of the Renewal of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
The Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft reopened in March 2020.
The renovation work took about three months.
The main focus of the renovation was the "sales area" and the reception.
To fulfill one of the roles of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, which is to promote folkcraft items, a significant renewal increased the number of folkcraft items that can be seen, touched, selected, and purchased.
Let's take a closer look at what kind of folkcraft items are available for purchase.
The sales area has tripled in size. What are the changes and highlights?
The renewed sales area of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft is located on the first floor, right at the entrance.
About two-thirds of the first floor is now the sales area, allowing visitors to enjoy folkcraft items in a more spacious setting.
The reception is located on the left side as you enter.
The area that was previously the reception has now become entirely the sales area.
The most popular items are said to be folkcraft items made in Okayama Prefecture, including Kurashiki Temari keychains and earrings.
Folkcraft items from Okayama Prefecture include Bichu Washi and Kurashiki Glass, as well as coasters made from igusa (rush grass).
The first director of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, Tonemura Kichinosuke, was a textile instructor, and thus, the Kurashiki Honzome Weaving Institute and products from graduates are also available.
Additionally, on the day of the interview, there were many products for sale related to the special exhibition "Baskets and Glass."
Moreover, at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, you can encounter many folkcraft items made outside Okayama Prefecture.
Examples include tableware from Shussai-gama in Shimane Prefecture and Nakata-gama and Baizan-gama in Ehime Prefecture.
After the renewal, products related to the special exhibitions at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft are also available, increasing the variety of items for purchase.
Folkcraft items are all handmade.
Even tableware made in the same region, when you take a closer look, you will notice that the patterns and textures are different.
Take your time to choose folkcraft items that can easily be incorporated into your life.
In addition to tableware, there were items such as "binshiki" and "gama-guchi" made at the Bashofu Weaving Workshop in Okinawa Prefecture, and a calendar for 2022 designed by dyeing craftsman Serizawa Keisuke, dyed using the katazome technique on handmade washi paper.
In this way, there are folk crafts available for sale that match the seasons.
I spoke with the curator of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, Hiramatsu Kaori, about the recommended points of the products.
Data of Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
| Name | Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-4-11 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-1637 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Monday ※ If Monday is a holiday, the following day ※ Closed from December 29 to January 1 ※ Temporary closure during various warnings (storm, earthquake, heavy rain, tsunami, flood, landslide, etc.) |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Adults: 1,200 yen High school and university students: 500 yen Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen ※ Group rates available for 20 or more ※ Reduced rates for those with disability certificates ※ Free for members of the Okayama Folk Craft Association and Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft fan club ※ Admission fees may vary depending on the exhibition content |
| Payment Method |
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| Reservation | Available ※ Reservations only for groups |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style restroom |
| Childcare | Discount available with Momokko cart presentation |
| Website | Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft |
