Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives, Provincial library and archives in Shimogamo, Japan
The Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives in Shimogamo houses extensive collections of materials about the region's history and culture. The spaces contain handwritten records, printed works, and digital copies of documents from different time periods.
The facility was established in 2017 to protect and make publicly accessible the written sources and knowledge of Kyoto Prefecture. It builds on earlier collection efforts that have documented the region's history.
The institution preserves documents that show how people lived in Kyoto and what traditions mattered to them. Visitors can see how old handwritten records and writings document the region's development across the centuries.
Visitors can come on certain days to view materials on site, but should check in advance about what items are available. For some collections, it is wise to arrange a time beforehand to ensure the documents you want to see are ready.
The collection contains medieval administrative papers that show how temples and cities functioned at that time. These documents are so fragile that only a few people are allowed to handle them and must follow special procedures.
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