🗺️ Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum

The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum is located on the north side of Kumamoto Castle and serves as a facility to deepen knowledge about traditional crafts from Kumamoto Prefecture. It was opened in 1982 with the aim of connecting daily life with traditional crafts through the display, sale, and experiential activities related to these crafts. The permanent exhibition room on the second floor showcases various crafts from different regions of Kumamoto. There are nearly 90 types of traditional crafts within the prefecture, including nationally designated traditional crafts such as "Higo Zogan" (肥後象嵌), "Kozaki-yaki" (小代燒), "Amakusa ceramics" (天草陶瓷器), and "Yamaga lanterns" (山鹿燈籠). Among these, there are many exquisite and unique local toys, such as "Oni no Kintaro" (鬼之金太), which has eyes that roll and a tongue that sticks out when pulled, the "Hanatebako" (花手箱) from Hitoyoshi, and the "Kiji-guruma" (雉子車). These can all be picked up and experienced firsthand. On the first floor, the "Craft Store Takumi" features many crafts from Kumamoto. The selection is very diverse, and there are also many collaborative crafts with Kumamon (熊本熊), allowing visitors to choose suitable gifts for various purposes, whether for gifting or personal use. *Please note that the museum will be closed for extensive renovations starting September 2, 2024 (Reiwa 6).*

The exhibition room on the second floor showcases traditional crafts from various regions of Kumamoto. The exhibition room rotates weekly to display works from different craft artists. Traditional crafts from Kumamoto can also be purchased in the store on the first floor, which offers custom orders and repair services.