Source: jam_232
Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and was the seat of the Imperial Court for more than 1,000 years. This city has played an important role in preserving the Japanese culture and setting high quality of Japanese arts and crafts. If you want to experience the culture of the Japanese, then Kyoto Handicraft Center is the place to visit. It is a five-story building and each floor offers access to Kyoto’s rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts. There is also a demonstration on how to make local crafts. Products are sold at a low price and these goods will be a good souvenir.
Information
- Name: Kyoto Handicraft Center
- Address: 22-2 Shogoin Entomicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8323, Japan
- Access: 10-minute walk from Jingu Marutamachi Station
- Opening hour: 10am-6pm
- Holiday: Open daily
- Website: http://www.kyotohandicraftcenter.com/?lang=en
1. Ornamental Swords
Source: Steve Nagata
Kyoto has been the center of trade and industry. In this city, helmets, armour, and swords were manufactured. As we all know, swords have been considered as a cultural possession of the Japanese. In Kyoto Handicraft Center, they offer almost all types of swords from replicas to affordable but quality swords.
2. Kyoto Dolls and Japanese Dolls
Source: Takuma Kimura
Japanese dolls became famous during the Heian Period. Kyoto dolls evolved from the well known Japanese dolls. Kyoto dolls are made of wood and porcelain and wear the Japanese kimono. These dolls serve as the representation of a typical Japanese. High quality and handcrafted Japanese and Kyoto dolls are available at Kyoto Handicraft Center.
3. Pottery
Pottery is considered as on of the oldest art forms dating back to 1200 years ago. During the Nara period, the monk Gyoki built a furnace somewhere in Higashiyama District and started to produced earthenware. Today, pottery still plays an important part of Japanese culture. A wide variety of goods including Kiyomizu and Arita pottery are offered at Kyoto Handicraft Center.
4. Kimono and Yukata
Kimono and Yukata are regarded as the traditional Japanese clothes. These traditional garments are well-loved not only by the Japanese but the people around the world accuse of its unique style, beauty and intricate details. Kimono is made of silk while Yukata is made of cotton. Kyoto textiles have high quality and you can see Kimonos, Yukatas and other garments at Kyoto Handicraft Center.
5. Wood Parquetry
Source: Brian Reid
Parquetry started in Hatajuku City in the Hakone mountains. Back then, it only has simple patterns in wood inlays. During the Meiji period, the technique of wood parquetry was moved to Shizuoka where repeating patterns and small wooden inlays evolved. Wood parquetry collection can be found on the 2nd level of the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
Have a good trip and travel!
