Kamakura-bori Museum (鎌倉彫資料館)
Explore the Kamakura-bori Museum (鎌倉彫資料館)
Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station (鎌倉駅), the Kamakura-bori Museum introduces visitors to the rich heritage of Kamakura-bori—a wood carving tradition with over 800 years of history. Situated on the third floor of the Kamakura-bori Kaikan (鎌倉彫会館), this museum blends real exhibits and visual media to make the art form accessible and engaging for tourists, locals, and craft enthusiasts alike.
What Makes Kamakura-bori Unique?
Kamakura-bori emerged during the Kamakura period, influenced by Zen Buddhism and Chinese lacquer techniques from the Song dynasty. It combines Japanese woodcarving with intricate lacquerwork, often featuring Buddhist motifs like lotus flowers and chrysanthemums. Unique techniques such as leaving visible chisel marks (tōkon) and dusting makomo powder before lacquering (hikuchitori) give Kamakura-bori its distinctive depth and texture.
Highlights of the Museum
The museum’s permanent collection includes around 50 masterworks from the Muromachi period (室町時代) to today. Visitors can trace the evolution of materials like katsura (桂), ginkgo (イチョウ), and zelkova (ケヤキ) wood, as well as shifts in aesthetic sensibilities. In addition to the exhibits, you’ll find video footage showing artisans at work and the tools they use—making it easy to understand even for beginners.
Hands-On Carving Experience
One of the museum’s most popular features is its hands-on carving workshop. Held roughly twice a month, the class introduces basic techniques like yagenbori (薬研彫り), and participants can carve small trays or coasters. Optional lacquer finishing by a professional is also available. Walk-ins may be accepted, but advance confirmation via the official website is recommended.
Where Craft Meets Cuisine
On the first floor, Café Guri (倶利) offers meals served entirely on Kamakura-bori (鎌倉彫) tableware—letting you experience the beauty of the craft through daily use. Enjoy light shojin meals or Western-style dishes in a serene setting, perfect for a midday break.
Next door, the Guri Shop (ショップ倶利) features a curated selection of traditional trays, stationery, and accessories. The shop also handles repairs and custom orders, and staff are on hand to offer expert insights. Collaboration items with nearby attractions like the Yoh Shomei Art Museum (葉祥明美術館) are also available.
Getting There from Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス)
Thanks to its central location, the Kamakura-bori Museum is just a pleasant walk from Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス). Whether you head out early in the morning or make it a relaxing afternoon stop, the flexible check-out style of your accommodation makes it easy to fit cultural discovery into your travel plan.
Wrap-Up: A Unique Cultural Experience Year-Round
As an indoor venue, the Kamakura-bori Museum offers a weatherproof cultural escape perfect for hot summers and rainy days alike. From hands-on experiences to immersive exhibits, it’s a space where tradition and contemporary life intersect. Ideal for travelers seeking calm, creativity, and meaningful moments—especially when you have the freedom of a stay that lets you explore at your own pace.