Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design

The Kyoto Traditional Industries Museum is a museum that introduces and exhibits Kyoto’s living industries and their cultural background. It reopened after renovation in 2020 and is located inside the Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall (commonly known as Miyako Messe) in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Access is about a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, or right by the “Okazaki Koen / Museum & Heian Jingu-mae” bus stop using Kyoto City Bus routes 5 or 100 from JR Kyoto Station. The permanent exhibition systematically presents 74 categories of crafts that convey Kyoto’s history and traditional techniques. In addition to introducing production processes, materials and tools, and representative works, you can also watch live demonstrations by artisans. The museum also hosts a variety of well-curated special exhibitions, which are worth seeing along with the permanent displays. The museum shop is another highlight, offering a wide range of items that incorporate Kyoto craftsmanship—from traditional crafts to everyday tools, goods, and accessories—making it an excellent place to find souvenirs.