● The last standing spinning top maker
In Momoyama period (1568-1600), imperial court ladies used to wind bright-colored kimono fabric strips around a bamboo rod to make a “tatami room spinning top”, the ancestor of modern Kyo-koma, or Kyoto spinning top. The craft of spinning top making has long flourished, but now Jakkyu remains the only place in Kyoto to carry on this unique tradition. No edged tools are involved in Kyo-koma shaping process: flat cotton strips dyed in vivid colors are rolled around a bamboo rod using only fingers. Even today, elegant Kyoto spinning tops are popular for their beautiful smooth rotation.

● The beauty of finely traced family crests
Kamon, or Japanese family crest, is an indispensable part of any formal-style kimono, starting from those that are created using Kyo-kuromontsuki-zome dyeing method. By combining 4,000 existing crest patterns, up to one hundred million variations of crests can be created. With the use of a writing brush, Chinese ink and a compass made of bamboo, skillful artisans of Kamon no Koga delicately trace small (only 3 cm in diameter) family crests. They carry on the techniques of a traditional craft that is undeniably the highlight of Kyoto textile dye craftsmanship.

● The multi-coloured appeal of mother-of-pearl inlay
Established at the end of Meiji era (1868-1912), Sagaraden Nomura is the only maker and retailer of raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) goods in Kyoto. One of the most outstanding techniques of lacquerware decoration, raden consists of inlaying very thin (about 0.3mm) pieces of seashell (those of Turbo marmoratus or abalone among others) into the black-lacquered surface. Due to its high ornamental qualities, raden is used to adorn various tea utensils and accessories. The craftsmen of Sagaraden Nomura play with light, skillfully adjusting the pieces of seashell to bring out the whole variety of mother-of-pearl tints. Atelier is dealing with different stages of lacquerware production, from lacquering to decorating with raden and maki-e techniques.

● Art of Buddhist paraphernalia metalwork maintained for 17 generations
Fujigen is an atelier where butsugu, or various metal implements for Buddhist altars (candle stands, flower vases, incense burners), are crafted. For 17 generations, the atelier has been producing order-made metal fittings for different Buddhist sects. Manufacturing operation consists of casting bronze or brass alloys and polishing the obtained pieces with a rasp or charcoal. The production of Kyo-butsugu is characterized by the creative use of multiple engraving tools for pattern carving. Delicate lines are carved one by one with much attention to detail.

● Experience Kyoto culture through Kyo-kumihimo braided cords
Developed in Nara period (710-794), Kyo-kumihimo braiding technique bloomed in ancient Kyoto, decorating Shinto and Buddhist implements, armor, kimono accessories and furnishings. Kumihimo cords with multi-coloured patterns are made using various braiding stands, such as marudai, kakudai, takadai or ayatakedai. At Meikyoan, cord braiding workshops with real tools and materials are implemented under the guidance of traditional craftsman Meijun Naruhashi. After the workshop, enjoy matcha tea in a tea ceremony room, listening to the explanations about Kyoto culture.

● The one and only “magic mirror” maker
Yamamoto Alloy Works is a maker of wakyo, handcrafted Japanese-style bronze mirrors. Besides the production of devotional mirrors for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples from all over Japan, the atelier also deals with restoration of old Japanese mirrors preserved in museums. The secret craft of makyo, or “magic mirrors” that project images when light is reflected on them, was passed down in Yamamoto family. The company has been protecting precious mirror making techniques, such as traditional sand mold casting method, for five generations.