Tour of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft by the owner of a long-established folk crafts store that has been running for over 50 years with a nationally-licensed guide (3h)
Welcome to the world of "Mingei". The tour will be led by Mr. Yamamoto, the owner of "Toru Mingei Shop," a long-established folk craft store for over 50 years, and will tour the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft while receiving explanations in English translation. Hear an explanation of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, which usually has few explanatory notes or explanations, from the perspective of the guide, Mr. Yamamoto. Folk crafts are " products that ordinary people need in their daily lives," or in other words, "crafts of the people, by the people, and for the people. (Website of the Japan Folk Crafts Association) Yanagi Muneyoshi, the father of the folk craft movement, called the daily utensils produced by nameless craftsmen "mingei" (folk crafts). He advocated a new value of beauty, saying that folk crafts rooted in daily life have a "wholesome beauty" that is in accordance with their utility. By learning about the relationship between folk crafts in Japan and Kurashiki, what folk crafts are in the first place, and the history and attractive aspects of folk crafts, visitors will deepen their understanding of and attachment to folk crafts. By learning more about folk crafts, each participant may have the opportunity to develop a deeper love for his/her own region. Let's think about what is a rich life in these days of mass production and commonplace things by learning about the activities of Mr. Yanagi and his colleagues. The exhibits at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft do not have written explanations. Usually, this tour is left to the imagination of the participants, with explanations by the guide, and you can ask questions. This is a precious opportunity to learn more about folk crafts.
Days of Week
Sun,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
Duration
3 hours
Adult (ages 13+)
JPY 14,500
Child (ages 6-12)
JPY 13,000
Highlights
Highlight #1
A tour of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft with commentary by Yamamoto, an expert lecturer on folk craft.
Highlight #2
An interpreter-guide will accompany you, so don't worry if you don't understand Japanese.
Highlight #3
An opportunity to get acquainted with handmade work in Kurashiki.
Outline
Schedule
Pickup / Checkin
Dropoff / Checkout
9:30 - 10:00
Meet-up
Please walk up the stairs that extend from the back side of the public restroom next to the stairs leading to Achi Shrine to Mukamatsu Dorm（向松寮） (5-1, Tsurugata 2-chome). Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AbRcvd8SF7ZUEsAK6
10:00 - 10:45
Self-introduction by lecturer Yamamoto, commentary on folk craft.
After a self-introduction by Mr Yamamoto, the owner of "the Toru Mingei shop", an explanation of folk craft will be given, focusing on the collection on display at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. The explanations are extremely valuable as usually there are no written explanations on the exhibits at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.
10:45 - 11:00
Move to Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
From the meeting point, travel to the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. It is a 10-minute walk to theKurashiki Museum of Folkcraft through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. You will walk through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, enjoying the townscape.
11:00 - 11:45
Appreciation of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
While listening to lecturer Yamamoto's commentary, visitors will take a tour of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft. Looking at various objects of folk craft, you will be able to reflect on the essence of folk craft.
11:45 - 12:00
Free walk through the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft
Take a look around on your own, remembering the explanations given earlier. You can also take your time to view the exhibition of your choice.
12:00 - 12:30
Feedback
Let's share what you think about folk craft! The tour ends with a final message from lecturer Yamamoto on 'What is Mingei (folk craft)?'
Checkin Times / Locations
9:30
Checkout Times / Locations
12:30
Plan Information
What's Included
- Admission to Kurashiki Mingeikan
- Guide fee (Japanese)
- Translator fee
What to Bring
- Please wear comfortable clothes and shose.
Additional Info
- The exhibits in the photos may change depending on the time of participation due to replacement of exhibits, etc.
- Come rain or shine.
Minimum Participants
- 2
Cancellation Policies
0%
3 days before to 17:00
50%
1 day before to 17:00
After 17:00, 1 day before
100%
Participation Date