Nishijin Textile Center (Nishijin-Ori Kaikan)

Description:

• About a 10-minute walk west of the Imperial Palace is this museum dedicated to the weavers who for centuries produced elegant textiles for the imperial family and nobility. The history of Nishijin silk weaving began with the history of Kyoto itself back in 794; by the Edo Period, there were an estimated 5,000 weaving factories in the Nishijin District. Today, the district remains home to one of Japan's largest handmade weaving industries. The museum regularly holds weaving demonstrations at its ground-floor hand looms, which use the Jacquard system of perforated cards for weaving. One of the most interesting things to do here is attend the free Kimono Fashion Show, held six or seven times daily from 10am to 4pm, showcasing kimono that change with the seasons. Other activities -- for which you need reservations -- include dressing up in a kimono for ¥3,600 ($30/£15) or as a geisha apprentice (maiko) or professional entertainer (geiko) for ¥10,000 ($83/£42), as well as trying your own hand at producing a textile on a small loom, which you can then take home with you (fee: ¥1,800/$15/£7.50). There's also, naturally, a shop selling textile products and souvenirs.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010