Kyoto Artisans Concierge provides a rare opportunity to visit private studios in Kyoto for hands-on experience of local traditional crafts. It is a bridge that connects people in search of such genuine experiences with artisans.
An affiliated organisation of Kyoto City Municipal Government, Kyoto Traditional Industry Foundation manages Fureaikan, the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts, which systematises, promotes and facilitates better understanding of the features of 74 categories of Kyoto traditional industries with the cooperation of all the associations of local crafts.
Being the cultural heart of Japan with more than 1,000 years of history as the imperial capital, Kyoto carries on inherited arts and crafts while constantly introducing new ones. Even today Kyotoites support and maintain the traditional Japanese culture gems such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement or Noh theatre adapting them to the modern lifestyle. Kyoto is a city of exquisite craftsmanship, and many tourists wish to visit the places where the finest pieces of art are born, to observe the demonstrations of craft skills of artisans in the creative atmosphere of their studios, to have a hand-on experience and to purchase traditional craft items. Kyoto Artisans Concierge is the bridge that connects people in search of such genuine experiences with artisans.
The website is available in English, and easy to search ateliers by field, purpose and by area, and many of them cost less than JPY 1,000 ($10). You can simply submit your request, and Kyoto Artisans Concierge will arrange your visits. Some even accept same day appointments. You can also request the arrangement through hotel concierge, or tour operators.
Says Seiji Hatta, managing director Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts: 'Tourists will enjoy meeting with real Kyotoites who keep artistry and traditional craftsmanship for several generations. We also wish to revitalize Kyoto traditional industries affected by the unfortunate decline in demand in recent years'.