We’re excited to visit the prestigious Takenaka Carpentry Museum in Kobe this Summer, as part of our research tour. It’s objectives fit neatly with ours, their strapline and motto: “Passing on the skill and the spirit of craftsmen to the future.” It’s a wonderful message and we can’t wait to discover how we might work together, perhaps bringing an event to London. We’re honoured to have our visit hosted by Marcelo Nishiyama, the Director of the Museum.
If you’ve not heard of the Takenaka Carpentry Museum and it’s objectives, we’ve put together a quick overview for you.
What is the Takenaka Carpentry Museum?
The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum opened in 1984 as the only museum dedicated to woodwork tools in Japan. It’s objective is to collect and conserve the disappearing tools and principles as a cultural heritage, and pass them on to the next generation through research and exhibitions.
Where is it located?
The new museum is located in Nakayamate, Kobe at the foot of Mount Rokko in Kobe close to the Shinkansen`s Shin-Kobe Station and surrounded by lush greenery. It’s described as ‘an oasis in the city that is enveloped by a forest.’
Why should I go?
If you’re into Japanese woodcraft, this is a must-see on any trip to Japan. It’s a heritage museum for displaying Japanese tools but also a sensory experience as the architecture of the building becomes part of your visit, linking humankind and nature.
What will I see?
With a huge catalogue of 32,000 pieces of tools and materials, there’s more than a days visit to take in, so perhaps organise an overnight stay in Kobe. The museum also runs events, workshops and exhibitions, details of which are regularly posted on their website: https://www.dougukan.jp
When is it open?
Museum Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 – 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Closed: Mondays (The following day when Monday falls on a national holiday)
Closed in 2019: Jan.15, Feb.12, Apr.30, May7, July16, Aug.13, Sept.17, Sept.24, Oct.15, Nov.5, Dec.24
New Year’s Holiday Closure: December 29 – January 3
For more information visit the museum website:
https://www.dougukan.jp/information
Japan Woodcraft Association 