Arts and Culture in Miyama


2018.01.19

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

The town of Miyama in the mountainous northern region of Kyoto is rich in history and tradition, and with that comes a small but vibrant community of artists and craftsmen. If you’re looking for galleries and museums to peruse while you’re in the area, we have them covered! All of the following can be found in and around the central part of Miyama. For individual shows and exhibitions, please contact the local tourist information center for up-to-date details.

  • 01

    Miyama Kayabuki Art Museum

    Miyama Kayabuki Art Museum

    Miyama Kayabuki Art Museum

    Situated on the outskirts of Miyama is this impressive art museum inside a traditional thatched roof house. They run exhibitions showcasing the work of local and other Japanese artists over two floors. The pieces on show are often for sale making it a great place to not only view beautiful local works but they also provide an excellent opportunity to support the artists by buying a piece. Entrance to the museum is 500 yen (200 yen for children under 13) which also grants you access to the Miyama Kayabuki Folk Museum next door too.

  • 02

    Miyama Kayabuki Folk Museum

    Miyama Kayabuki Folk Museum

    Miyama Kayabuki Folk Museum

    Operated by the same people as the Miyama Kayabuki Art Museum next door, this Folk Museum houses an excellent selection of historical art and craft items, as well as a great collection of folklore materials all handmade in the local area over many generations. Wander around the museum to get a feel for what life in this rural mountainside village was like when they were all but cut off from the rest of the country, let alone the rest of the world.

  • 03

    The Little Indigo Museum

    The Little Indigo Museum

    The Little Indigo Museum

    This curious little museum is tucked away among the residential houses of Miyama, and can be easily missed if you aren’t keeping your eye out for it! The museum is run by a family who has been dying fabrics with indigo in the town of Miyama for generations and showcases their traditional dyeing techniques and their products. On display are a number of items made from dyed fabrics including traditional Japanese wears and other artistic textiles - the collection not only features their work but also other pieces from around the world that incorporate indigo dye techniques. Entrance to the museum is just 300 yen, and is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

  • 04

    Saika Café and Gallery

    Saika Café and Gallery

    Saika Café and Gallery

    Saika is a small café and gallery housed inside a traditional thatched-roof house in central Miyama. The gallery has an extensive collection of pottery from the local and surrounding areas. Various artists display and sell their works here, ranging from bowls, plates and cups to ornaments and vases. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge.

  • 05

    Miyama Museum of Folk Art

    Miyama Museum of Folk Art

    Miyama Museum of Folk Art

    Situated in the center of Miyama this Folk Art Museum is hard to miss. They have a permanent collection of items used in the town in past generations, including tools for farming, hunting and other artifacts. You can also get a glimpse into how families lived and survived in this rural community before the wonders of modern technology changed everything. There are several rooms inside the building, which used to be a regular family home, including sleeping quarters, living/dining area, storage room and kitchen – all of which have been set up and kept to preserve life in times gone by. Entrance is just 300 yen and that also includes a cup of hot tea around a fireplace if you wish!

    美山かやぶき美術館
    place
    京都府南丹市美山町島朴ノ木21
    phone
    0771751777
    View Allarrow
    no image
    Miyama Folk customs Museum
    rating

    4.0

    33 Reviews
    place
    Kyoto Nantan-shi Miyamacho Kita Nakamaki 4
    phone
    0771770587
    View Allarrow

Click here for a summary article including this article