Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum

The Kurashiki Folk Crafts Museum stands as Japan's second folk craft museum, established in 1948 by Ohara Soichiro with Tonomura Kichinosuke serving as its first director. The museum occupies a beautifully preserved rice storehouse from the late Edo period, featuring the distinctive white plaster walls, black tiles, and wooden beams characteristic of Kurashiki's merchant heritage. Located in the heart of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter along the canal, the museum comprises three buildings arranged around a cobblestone courtyard, creating an atmospheric setting where visitors can experience traditional Japanese architecture firsthand.

The museum's significance lies in its role within the mingei (folk craft) movement, championed by philosopher Soetsu Yanagi, which celebrates the beauty found in everyday utilitarian objects. The collection demonstrates how anonymous craftspeople created functional items with artistic merit, embodying the philosophy that everyone deserves "a Life of Beauty" regardless of their occupation. The museum houses over 15,000 folk craft items from around the world, with approximately 600 to 800 pieces on permanent display at any time.

Visitors explore exhibitions of ceramics, glassware, metalwork, woodworking, textiles, basketry, and lacquerware spread across multiple floors. Upon entry, guests remove their shoes and wear provided slippers, creating an intimate, residential atmosphere. Notable highlights include the renowned Kurashiki Glass collection by artist Kodani Shinzo and his son Kodani Eiji, and a dedicated "basket room" featuring what is considered among the world's finest collections of traditional baskets from various countries. The museum also features local Okayama crafts and offers a museum shop where visitors can purchase contemporary folk craft items including Kurashiki glass and Bitchu washi paper.

The museum can be reached with a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station. From Okayama Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Kurashiki Station, approximately 15-20 minutes. Admission costs 1,000 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school and university students, and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. While explanatory materials in English are limited, the visual nature of the displays and the historical building itself provide a compelling experience of traditional Japanese folk craft culture.