Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
5
About
The foremost museum in Japan dedicated to netsuke miniature sculpture, situated in one of Kyoto's last samurai residences, near Nijo Castle. The museum holds an impressive collection of 2,500 pieces dating from the Edo Period to present, 400 of which are shown to the public in special exhibitions 5 times a year.
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Neighbourhood: City Center
No district of Kyoto is quite as representative of its blended nature as the City Center. By day, the covered shopping arcades along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street bring deal hunters and fashionistas out in droves to peruse the clothing, accessories, gifts, and home goods offerings. When it grows dark, the City Center is a hip spot for nightlife, alive with bars and clubs. A trendy culinary scene and an abundance of local watering holes give the Center its youthful vibrancy. In contrast, the quieter areas of the City Center seem a world away, shielded from noise by the foliage of the public gardens and zen spaces surrounding the area's shrines, castles, and the Imperial Palace. These ancient and sacred spots are seamlessly folded into the scenery, providing a respite from the energy of the city, but close enough to put you directly back onto the pulse of the city when you're ready.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
9
Average
0
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Anne L
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Solo
This little museum is one of my favorite places in Japan. Netsuke, iconic representations of important aspects of Japanese culture and history, are tiny miniature sculptures made of wood, ivory, clay, porcelain, nut shells, coral. I’ve only been once, and the exhibits change at least several times a year. This is a private collection, photographs were not allowed when I was there. Don’t miss it if you have the chance, and if you can, bring a magnifying lens.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snarth
Philadelphia524 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This place is nothing less than a Netsuke lover's dream! Having adored these tiny sculptures since my teens, I practically swooned when I walked in. There are hundreds of carefully displayed pieces-- many on mirrors so you can see the bottom, and many on tiny revolving platforms. Many are contemporary and all are exquisite. Even those not previously exposed to the wonderful art form of Netsuke will be enchanted. A lovely touch is the many photographs of the artists lining the upper walls. And as many have noted, the house containing the collection is an historical treasure and beautiful in its own right. Be sure to go up to the second floor, as the staircase is easy to miss. TIP FOR WESTERNERS: Ask your hotel to write the name and address of this museum in Japanese on a piece of paper so you can ask directions or direct a cab, as this is off the beaten track in a residential neighborhood.
Written September 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brixtontrev
United Kingdom1,732 contributions
Sept 2013 • Solo
A mixture of historical and contemporary themes made this a fascinating exhibition. I especially liked natural themed netsuke like 'Grass Puffer' and 'Walking on a Rope', a netsuke of a crab walking along, well yes, a rope, as well as the netsuke interpretations of Kabuki actors playing various roles adapted from yakusha-e (actor pictures). 'Sotoba Komachi', stood out with it having been carved in a much more contemporary style. The carvings of birds were wonderfully rendered. All in all a lovely exhibition. The wonderfully preserved old samurai house and well maintained and very pretty traditional garden in which the museum resides also deserves a mention. Go if there is an exhibition on while you are there and be amazed. Almost exactly opposite the main entrance to Mibu Dera Temple so not too difficult to find
Written October 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ged G
London, UK19 contributions
Oct 2018
This is a changing display of 4/500 pieces of Netsuke, miniature works of art in choice materials, beautifully displayed and with many works by modern masters showing that the art of netsuke is very much alive. Allow between one and two hours to view the collection properly.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ros m
Auvillar, France57 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Amazing visit to Seishu netsuke art museum. T is housed in the only existing samurai residence in Kyoto city. It was built in the period 1804-17 during the time when netsuke art grew and flourished. The exhibits range from modern times back to this early period and the setting in this beautiful house is absolutely right. Get away from the busy surrounding streets into the peaceful atmosphere of a time gone by and contemplate the art of these amazing craftsmen and women over a free cup of iced green tea in the restored dark kitchen. Really worth the entry fee
Written September 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sian C
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia3 contributions
Mar 2018
Not so difficult to find, if you follow signs for Mibudera Temple, which is directly opposite this fabulous museum. Set in a beautiful samurai house, with a delightful garden, there are some 400 mostly contemporary and some antique netsuke displayed from a very large private collection. Photos of the various carvers adorn the walls and the netsuke are very well displayed under glass with magnifiers, mirrors and rotating stands for viewing important details. They also have books of the collection available for purchase, though not online at this stage. Netsuke lovers, such as ourselves, will be in seventh heaven with these gorgeous pieces, however, the museum will also appeal more broadly to art and sculpture lovers or those appreciating traditional Japanese culture, architecture or gardens. Very much worth taking the time to visit and enjoy these tiny sculptures in a tranquil, picturesque environment.
Written March 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalia N
14 contributions
Apr 2017
I love netsuke, so I found about this little museum knowing beforehand what to search for, as it is not a popular turist spot that you can easily find on lists of Kyoto attractions. The collection is impressive, and even you're not interested in netsuke, the house itself is a treasure. The old kitchen has seats and hot tea ready for a break before or after going to the second floor. You can rest there, peacefully drinking tea, feeling the atmosphere of the samurai times. All the love dedicated to this museum is shown in every detail that it has.
Written May 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FT-London
London, UK135 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
A small museum packed full of netsuke figurines that is definitely worth a visit. The venue is wonderful - it's an old samurai home - and very picturesque. A warning though, it's tucked within a residential area and a bit off the beaten track. The cab driver had to ask for directions. Nevertheless it's an eye opener to this ancient craft. Give yourself a good hour to hour and a half at least to explore all the exhibits.
Written July 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah C
San Francisco, CA4 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Located inside one of the few remaining samurai villas in Kyoto, the netsuke museum is an exquisite museum devoted to Japan's delightful miniature worn sculptures called netsuke. Stunning displays allow you to get lost in the playful miniatures that are replete with visual jokes. The museum focuses on the vibrant contemporary scene. We were lucky to run into the featured artist who told us the stories behind many of his works. You will see not only traditionally themed works, but new works featuring pop culture references familiar to you. Architecture buffs will be swooning for the historic rooms and gardens with amazing carved wood details, a tearoom (converted to gallery space), tea garden, and the original kitchen furniture. You climb a steep steps to the former storage loft where the galleries continue. This is a must see!
Written October 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhAustralia
Australia13 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
Fascinating range of really gorgeous small carvings. Originally with the utilitarian purpose of security, identification these items became a serious art form.
A must visit in Kyoto.
A must visit in Kyoto.
Written January 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hello - do I need to buy a ticket in advance for a visit on 10-23? I can't find the place for tickets on the website. thank you
Written October 15, 2016
Sorry just seeing this. No need to advance purchase. Deb
Written October 23, 2016
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