Japan Folk Crafts Museum

The basics

With exhibits that showcase everything from ceramics and woodwork to textiles and jewelry, there’s something to please almost any visitor to the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum. Established in the 1930s by Japanese art critic and philosopher Soetsu Yanagi, the museum is housed in a wood and stone heritage-listed building that’s attractive in its own right, before you see what’s housed within.

Things to know before you go

• Exhibits typically change every 4–8 weeks, so even repeat visitors may get to see something new each time.
• Admission is ticketed, with different prices for adults, students, and junior high and elementary school students.
• As the museum is housed in a 1930s building, not all areas are accessible to visitors with disabilities. A wheelchair, wheelchair ramps, and an elevator are available.
• Visitors are asked to wear shoe coverings, which are provided at the entrance.

How to get there

The Japanese Folk Crafts Museum is on the edge of the small Komaba Park, southwest of Shibuya. As there aren’t any other major attractions in the area, you’ll probably need to make a special trip to Komaba to visit. The museum is roughly equal distance—about 15 minutes’ walk—from Ikenoue and Komaba-todaimae stations, on the Inokashira Line, which is accessible from the large Shibuya Station.

When to get there

The museum typically closes for several days between exhibits while items are being replaced and moved around, so check the website for up-to-date hours during your visit. It’s usually open every day except Monday, from mid-morning until early evening. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, but most travelers will want to arrive earlier. The West Hall (Yanagi residence) is typically open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

Visit Komaba Park

Before or after visiting the museum, check out the adjacent Komaba Park. At its heart is the Western-style Former Marquis Maeda Mansion, built in the 1920s, surrounded by cherry trees. The Museum of Modern Japanese Literature also lies to the park’s north, though this is mostly of interest to visitors familiar with Japanese language and literature.