Japanese Folk Crafts Museum

The Japanese Folk Crafts Museum is an art museum in Komaba that displays around 17,000 handmade items. The collection includes ceramics, textiles, and lacquerware from various regions across Japan.

Yanagi Soetsu founded the museum in 1936 to promote the mingei movement and preserve traditional craftsmanship against industrial production. The institution was created to protect regional skills and the artistry of craftspeople.

The collection shows how everyday objects from different regions combine practical use with artistic beauty through traditional craft methods. Visitors can see this philosophy reflected in the ceramics, textiles, and other items on display.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and sits within walking distance of Komaba-Todaimae Station. Plan enough time to explore the different galleries and exhibitions at your own pace.

The museum complex features a traditional gate-residence with a stone roof that was transported and reconstructed from Tochigi Prefecture. This architectural element shows authentic building methods from earlier times.

Location: Komaba

Location: Komaba 4-chome

Location: Meguro-ku

Location: Tokyo

Inception: 1936

Founders: Yanagi Sōetsu

Architects: Yanagi Sōetsu

Official opening: October 24, 1936

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Website: https://mingeikan.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.66085,139.67922

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26