Kyoto's newest museum, the Toy Film Museum, opened on May 18th 2015 on a tiny little side street just off Koin Doori in the Mibu area. I ventured down there shortly after it opened to see what it was like. My general feeling after visiting is that the place has a lot of potential, but if you are not fluent in Japanese and/or super interested in old movies then this place isn't … [Read more...]
Pictures from the “Hall of New Knowledge” – The New Wing of Kyoto National Museum
I have a guest article on Chris Rowthorn's Inside Kyoto today, all about the new Heisei Chishinkan wing of Kyoto National Museum. This new wing presents a thought provoking contrast to the main building, the Meiji Kotokan. The latter was built in the late 19th century, when designing public buildings in a European style was seen as modern and progressive, and it has an ornate … [Read more...]
Kyoto Gion Udon Museum
Out walking by the Kamo river one day, we encountered a happy bowl-headed mascot (pictured below) hopping about on Shijo Bridge. We took the obligatory 360 degree picture together and received in return two drinks coupons for the Udon Museum. What more of an incentive do you need to explore the magical world of thick Japanese wheat flour noodles? Our curiosity piqued, we duly … [Read more...]
Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum ~ 京都万華鏡ミュージアム
Though small, this is certainly one of the most charming museums I have been to in Kyoto. Entry for adults is a mere 300 yen, and for that you get to play with around 50 of the 250 varied, inventive and frankly quite wonderful kaleidoscopes the museum has thus far collected. A sweet old gentleman and lady were very happy to show us how each instrument worked and once an hour … [Read more...]
Japan’s largest train museum to be built in Umekoji Park, Kyoto.
As reported earlier this week in the Asahi Shimbun, Kyoto City is "lending" land to JR West for a mammoth train museum to be completed by 2016. I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I think a museum celebrating Japan's railway history and culture is a fine fit for Kyoto - and personally I love trains. I'm sure I'll pay the museum a visit once it is open... … [Read more...]
Kyoto International Manga Museum
I'm a big fan of Kyoto International Manga Museum. Jointly administered by Seika University and the city of Kyoto, it is clear that a lot of consideration went into its layout and design. Here are some things to love about the museum: *They have a massive manga collection you can browse and read at your leisure. And if your Japanese isn't up to scratch, they have Japanese … [Read more...]
An Interview with Mara Alper
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of ties between Mexico and Japan the Kampo Museum is currently exhibiting the art and crafts of the indigenous Huichol people. Dominating the exhibition are the extraordinary peyote inspired yarn paintings of the late Huichol artist and shaman José Benitez Sanchez. On the 24th of January, Professor Mara Alper, award winning media artist and … [Read more...]
The Glorious Art of José Benitez Sanchez
Undoubtedly the most colourful exhibition in Kyoto right now is the exhibition of Huichol yarn paintings at the Kampo Museum in Okazaki. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of links between Mexico and Japan the Kampo museum is currently exhibiting the visionary art of the artist/shaman José Benitez Sanchez. I visited yesterday and was completely blown away by the gorgeous … [Read more...]
The Miho Museum
If you fancy a day out of Kyoto and a bit of fresh country air, a trip into Shiga to visit the Miho Museum might be a nice little adventure for you. This is a most extraordinary private art collection, held in a most extraordinary building, and in an extraordinary location! The building itself is remarkable, designed by I. M. Pei (he's the guy that designed the glass pyramid … [Read more...]
