The Japan Folk Crafts Museum

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (日本民藝館, Nihon Mingeikan) is the spiritual and philosophical headquarters of the Mingei movement. Established in 1936 by Soetsu Yanagi, the museum was born from a profound appreciation for “the beauty of the ordinary.” Yanagi championed the idea that true artistic merit resides in functional objects created by anonymous craftsmen for daily use—a vision first sparked by his fascination with Joseon Dynasty ceramics during his time in Korea.

The museum’s architecture is as much a draw as its contents. The main hall, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, features a striking Nagayamon-style gatehouse and a serene, dark-wood interior that provides a grounded “lull” just a short distance from the high-energy districts of Shibuya and Shimokitazawa. Inside, the heavy timber beams and stone floors create a timeless atmosphere for the rotating displays. While the archive totals over 17,000 items, only about 500 are exhibited at once, ranging from sturdy Okinawa pottery and intricate Ainu textiles to rustic woodwork and hand-painted screens.

A visit to the Mingeikan is an exercise in mindfulness, encouraging visitors to find dignity in the handmade and the utilitarian. Across the street stands Yanagi’s former residence, the “West Hall,” which is also open to the public on specific dates. For anyone interested in the roots of Japanese design and the intersection of utility and art, this museum remains an essential and deeply tranquil destination.

Visitor Information
Address	4-3-33 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0041 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Entry until 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays (except holidays)
Price	¥1,100 (Adults), ¥600 (Uni/HS Students), ¥200 (Elementary/Junior HS)
Website	Visit Website

Access
Station	Line(s)	Access Details
Komaba-Todaimae Station	Keio Inokashira Line	7-minute walk from the West Exit
Higashi-kitazawa Station	Odakyu Line	15-minute walk