Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, Folk art museum in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Japan
The Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft occupies a renovated rice warehouse with white walls and a Japanese tiled roof along the banks of the Kurashiki River. The collection comprises approximately 15,000 pieces of ceramics, textiles, and woodwork that represent objects people used in their daily lives across different periods.
The museum was established in 1948 by Kichinosuke Tonomura as Japan's second folk art institution, following the Mingei movement principles developed by Muneyoshi Yanagi. This represented a significant effort to recognize and preserve the craftsmanship and beauty of everyday handmade objects.
The name reflects the Mingei philosophy, which celebrates beauty found in everyday handcrafted objects rather than precious or rare pieces. Visitors can see how ordinary people once furnished their homes, prepared food, and dressed through the functional items displayed throughout the galleries.
The museum sits within the Bikan Historical Quarter and is most easily reached on foot from the nearby train station or riverfront area. It typically closes on Mondays, though access is available during public holidays when other attractions in the area may have special hours.
The attached museum shop stocks over 700 items across a doubled sales floor space, featuring regional bamboo crafts and traditional baskets. Many of these pieces come from contemporary artisans who continue practicing the same techniques shown in the galleries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Kurashiki Tivoli Park
1.1 km
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
121 m
Ohara Museum of Art
110 mNakashō
3.1 kmKurashiki Mirai Park
1.1 km
An'yo-ji
4.7 kmSugō
3.1 km
Old Ohara House
137 m
Kurashiki Geibunkan
277 m
Kanryū-ji
280 m
Kake Museum of Art
25 m
Ohashi House
332 m
Henjō-in
3.3 km
Kurashiki City Art Museum
259 m
Stadtbibliothek Kurashiki
275 mKurashiki Observatory
412 m
Kurashiki Museum of Natural History
273 m
Kurabo Memorial Hall
133 m
Ima Bridge
122 m正福寺
4.8 km
日本基督教団倉敷教会教会堂
572 m
Momotaro's Karakuri Museum
97 m
Yumiko Igarashi Museum
220 m
Kurashiki Local History Museum
240 m
Kurashiki Archaeological Museum
64 m
Muscat Stadium
4.1 km
大原美術館 児島虎次郎記念館
146 m
Kojima Torajirō Memorial Hall
105 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes