Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
NISHIJIN
(Kamigyō-ku, Horikawa-dōri, Imadegawa; 1min walk from Horikawa-Imadegawa bus stop, bus 9 from Kyoto Sta-
tion)
Nishijin is Kyoto's traditional textile centre, the source of all those dazzling kimono
fabrics and
obi
(kimono sashes) that you see being paraded about town. The area is famous
for Nishijin-ori (Nishijin weaving). There are quite a few
machiya
(traditional Japanese
town houses) in this district, so it's a good place simply to wander. The next three sights are
all in Nishijin.
| NEIGHBOURHOOD
| MUSEUM
NISHIJIN TEXTILE CENTER
OFFLINE MAP
(
西陣織会館
; 451-9231; Imadegawa Minami iru, Horikawa-dōri, Kamigyō-ku; 9am-5pm; 1min walk
from Horikawa-Imadegawa bus stop, bus 9 from Kyoto Station)
In the heart of the Nishijin textile district,
this is worth a peek before starting a walk around the area. There are also displays of com-
pleted fabrics and kimono, as well as weaving demonstrations and occasional kimono fash-
ion shows. Unfortunately, these days, it's often overrun by large tour groups. It's on the
southwest corner of the Horikawa-dōri and Imadegawa-dōri intersection.
ORINASU-KAN
OFFLINE MAP
(
織成館
; 431-0020; 693 Daikoku-chō, Kamigyō-ku; adult/child ¥500/350; 10am-4pm Tue-Sun; 10min
walk from Horikawa -Imadegawa bus stop, bus 9 from Kyoto Station)
This museum, housed in a Nishijin
weaving factory, has impressive exhibits of Nishijin textiles. It's more atmospheric and
usually quieter than the Nishijin Textile Center. The
Susamei-sha
building across the street
is also open to the public and worth a look. It's a short walk north of the Nishijin Textile
Center.
| MUSEUM
SHŌSUIKAKU
OFFLINE MAP
(
松翠閣
; 431-1670;
www.shosuikaku.jp/eng/index.html
; Kamigyō-ku, Teranouchi-dōri, Chiekōin Higashi iru,
Kita gawa; admission ¥200; 9.30am-5pm Tue-Sun; 10min walk from Horikawa-Imadegawa bus stop, bus 9 from
Kyoto Station)
One of the most interesting sights in Nishijin is this wonderful little museum
located in a traditional Japanese house. The exhibits focus on the local Nishijin weaving
techniques (you'll be amazed what can be achieved with it). The museum guide will take
you upstairs to a room where the walls are covered with large panels of Nishijin weaving -
when the lights are dimmed, it's a magical sight.
| MUSEUM
URASENKE CHADŌ RESEARCH CENTER
| CULTURAL BUILDING
