The Miyako Messe exhibition hall みやこめっせ・京都伝統産業ふれあい館

Museums and Galleries in Kyoto

Several halls are reserved for temporary exhibitions, which often highlight a specific aspect of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship . Events are often organized there: professional conventions, but also events open to the public such as a Kyoto cuisine festival, performances by maiko (geisha student), or workshops to learn Japanese crafts. There is also a café and a restaurant.

To read: The profession of geisha

The Design Museum

It is the Japan Designers Association which is at the origin of this museum. It organizes temporary exhibitions there, which highlight Japanese design, before, today and in the future. Every year, the association organizes the design festival.

The Fureaikan, the craft museum

The museum is therefore located in the basement of the Miyako Messe, right next to the Design Museum. You can see no less than 500 objects from typical Kyoto craftsmanship, divided into 74 categories. All are accompanied by explanations on their origin and their manufacturing technique, explanations available in Japanese, as in English. A guide written in French is even available at reception. All kinds of Kyoto crafts are therefore represented: woodworking, stone, tile, metal, gold, paper, different styles of dyeing, weaving and embroidery, incense , sake… Nothing is left out! You will be able to admire prints, fans and traditional kimonos as well as dolls, wigs and various and varied hair accessories! Also on display is a mikoshi , or divine palatine, from a temple. It is the whole history of Kyoto, through the evolution of its craftsmanship, which is exposed here. Admission is free and the museum will satisfy craft lovers and history buffs alike.

To end your visit in style, do not miss the Miyako Messe shop, at the exit of Fureaikan ,   where you will find many traditional objects (fans, silk scarves, dolls, etc.), to offer or bring back as a souvenir of Kyoto, the former imperial capital!