Kurashiki Mingei Museum

Overview

The Kurashiki Mingei Museum is a museum dedicated to showcasing the allure of Japanese traditional crafts. It primarily features folk crafts collected by Soetsu Yanagi, the founder of the Mingei (folk crafts) movement. The museum exhibits simple yet beautiful everyday items and crafts from across Japan. The building itself is a charming historical Western-style building located in the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Its elegant atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Inside, you'll find a tea room and galleries, offering a relaxing space to immerse yourself in Japanese traditional culture. The Kurashiki Mingei Museum opened in 1978. Soetsu Yanagi believed that Japanese traditional crafts possessed a beauty and warmth lost in modern society. He established the museum with the desire to share this beauty with a wider audience. In addition to the folk crafts collected by Yanagi, the museum displays a diverse collection gathered from various regions of Japan. These include ceramics, lacquerware, woodwork, textiles, and more. Each piece is handcrafted, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and beautiful designs that captivate the viewer. The Kurashiki Mingei Museum is a valuable place to learn about Japanese traditional culture. Be sure to visit when exploring the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.