Guide
The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Art (often referred to as 'Bunpaku') is a comprehensive museum dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of Kyoto. It explores the journey of Kyoto—a city that has served as a central hub since the Heian period—and its world-famous traditional events like the Gion Matsuri through diverse exhibits and visual media. While the main building is a modern facility, it is uniquely paired with the former Bank of Japan Kyoto Branch, an Important Cultural Property. This creates a stunning coexistence between the beauty of historic architecture and contemporary exhibition techniques.
The museum's roots date back to the establishment of the 'Heian Museum' in 1968. Since 1988, it has played a vital role in preserving and introducing Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. The annex building, a masterpiece of Meiji-era Western-style architecture completed in 1906, was designed by the legendary Japanese architect Kingo Tatsuno and his disciple Yohei Nagano. This 'Tatsuno-style' architecture is a significant piece of history in itself, having been designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1969, serving as a testament to Kyoto's modernization.
The 2nd floor of the main building houses the 'Comprehensive Exhibition Room,' which is divided into three distinct zones:
1. Kyoto History: This zone traces the evolution of the city from the Heian period through the Meiji and Taisho eras. A highlight is the 'Emaki Corridor,' where large-scale screens project beautiful handscroll paintings (Emaki) from the Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo periods.
2. Kyoto Festivals: This section focuses on the Gion Matsuri, displaying exquisite and colorful ornaments used in the Yamaboko floats, capturing the grandeur of the festival.
3. Kyoto's Treasures & Culture: A wide-ranging collection of materials and cultural assets held by Kyoto Prefecture, showcasing the depth of local craftsmanship.
Additionally, the 3rd floor features a 170-seat 'Film Theater' that screens classic and masterpiece films related to Kyoto. On the 1st floor of the annex, you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere in the halls and a cafe located within the former vault building.
The museum hosts various special exhibitions and events throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons of Kyoto. A visit to the cafe in the historic annex is a perfect way to spend a relaxing moment between sightseeing activities. Because the exhibitions and the Emaki Corridor are indoor-based, you can fully immerse yourself in Kyoto's culture regardless of the weather or season.
Beyond viewing exhibits, visitors can enjoy several unique experiences. The Film Theater offers a chance to watch classic cinema related to Kyoto, providing a visual journey through time. On the 1st floor of the main building, the 'Roji Shops' recreate the atmosphere of a late Edo-period Kyoto townhouse (Machiya), where you can discover traditional crafts, local specialties, and food. For a truly unique experience, visit the cafe located in the former vault of the annex to enjoy coffee in a historic setting.
The museum is centrally located in Kyoto, making it easily accessible from major transit points. It is within walking distance of the Karasuma Oike Subway Station and Karasuma Hankyu Station. The nearby historic streets of Sanjo-dori and Takakura-dori are perfect for a stroll, offering plenty of local shops and restaurants to explore after your museum visit.
To protect the precious exhibits, please follow all museum rules. Coin lockers are available on-site for your convenience.