Orinasukan Museum
[KITANO-NISHIJIN]
Textiles have been produced in the area now known as Nishijin since at least the Heian period (794–1185), and the name Nishijin has been synonymous with high-quality textile craftsmanship since the sixteenth century.
At the Orinasukan Museum, which is housed in a traditional textile merchant’s home, visitors can learn about the rich history of Nishijin textiles and kimono culture in general. The collection includes woven textiles sourced from throughout Japan, with displays of roughly 400 pieces of traditional textiles, including kimonos and obi sashes, made between the late Edo period (1603–1867) and the late twentieth century. Also exhibited are reproductions of antique Noh costumes woven with traditional techniques.
On the second floor is a studio where artisans handweave silk textiles that can take months to complete. Tours are available to see how the traditional looms are used. Visitors who make a reservation in advance have the option of trying their own hands at weaving.