Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore, Nara

Name: Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore
Address: Nara, Japan
Telephone: +81 743-53-3171

#20 among attractions in Nara

Museum, Specialty museum, History museum

Gallery (1)

Map

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, the Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore is a cultural gem dedicated to preserving the region's rich heritage. This museum offers a deep dive into the traditional way of life of the Nara people, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that capture the essence of the area's history.

The museum's collection includes a variety of folk artifacts, from agricultural tools and household items to traditional clothing and textiles. Each piece tells a story of the rural life that has shaped the community over centuries. The exhibits provide insights into the customs, festivals, and daily activities that are unique to Nara's cultural landscape.

Visitors to the museum can expect to be transported back in time as they explore the reconstructions of historical houses and workshops. These displays offer an immersive experience, allowing guests to visualize how the people of Nara lived and worked in harmony with their natural surroundings. The museum also highlights the importance of rituals and crafts, such as the intricate process of making washi paper and the celebrated art of Nara doll-making.

The Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore isn't just a repository of objects; it's a living institution that engages with the community. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and events aimed at educating visitors about Nara's folk traditions and encouraging the preservation of these cultural treasures.

Local name: 奈良県立民俗博物館 Opened: 1974 (50 years ago)Coordinates: 34°39'11"N, 135°45'14"E

Address

Nara Japan

Contact

+81 743-53-3171

Website

Social media

Add

Nara

Day trips

Nara Prefectural Museum of Folklore – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Yakushi-ji, Kōriyama Castle, Tōshōdai-ji, Hokki-ji.

2.1 miNE
Landmark 7th-century Buddhist temple
Yakushi-ji, Nara
53 min walk • Yakushi-ji, one of the most significant ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, stands gracefully in the city of Nara. This revered temple, founded in 680 AD by Emperor Tenmu, is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing.
1.4 miE
Forts and castles, Historical place
Kōriyama Castle, Nara
37 min walk • Kōriyama Castle, a historical fortress with roots deep in Japan's feudal past, stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. Located in the city of Nara, once the country's capital, Kōriyama Castle is a significant site for those interested in the...
2.4 miNE
Buddhist temple dating from 8th century
Tōshōdai-ji, Nara
61 min walk • Tōshōdai-ji, a revered temple nestled in the historic city of Nara, Japan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious tapestry of the country. Founded in 759 by the Chinese priest Ganjin, who was invited to Japan to help reform Buddhist practices, this...
2.1 miS
Temple,
Hokki-ji, Ikaruga
55 min walk • Hokki-ji or Hōki-ji – formerly known as Okamoto-dera and Ikejiri-dera – is a Buddhist temple in Okamoto, Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple's honorary sangō prefix is "Kōhonzan", although it is rarely used.
2.3 miS
Temple
Hōrin-ji, Ikaruga
59 min walk • Hōrin-ji, or Mii-dera is a Buddhist temple in Mii, Ikaruga, Nara, Japan. The temple is located about a kilometer north of Hōryū-ji's Tō-in. The temple's sangō prefix is Myōken-san.
2.6 miNE
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Buddhist temple
Kikō-ji, Nara
67 min walk • Kikō-ji is a serene Buddhist temple nestled in the historic city of Nara, Japan. This tranquil place of worship is situated away from the bustling city center, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and reflection.
2.7 miS
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Buddhist temple
Chūgū-ji, Ikaruga
70 min walk • Chūgū-ji is a temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan, that was founded as a nunnery in the seventh century by Shōtoku Taishi. Located immediately to the northeast of Hōryū-ji, its statue of Miroku and Tenjukoku mandala are National Treasures.
2.9 miSW
, Temple
Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area, Horyuji
74 min walk • The UNESCO World Heritage Site Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area includes a variety of buildings found in Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. These buildings were designated in 1993 along with the surrounding landscape, under several criteria.
1.6 miN
Temple
Ryōsen-ji, Nara
40 min walk • Ryōsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Founded in the eighth century, the Hondō is a National Treasure and a number of other buildings and temple treasures have been designated Important Cultural Properties.
4 miNE
Music and shows, Nightlife, Theater
Nara Centennial Hall, Nara
104 min walk • Nara Centennial Hall is a multi-use complex in Nara, Japan. It opened in 1999 as part of the centennial celebrations of the municipality of Nara. There is a large hall that seats up to 1720, a smaller concert hall with a capacity of 446, and a gallery. Arata Isozaki was the architect, with acoustical design by Nagata Acoustics.
2.9 miN
Museum, Art museum, Specialty museum
Museum of Japanese Art, Nara
75 min walk • The Museum of Japanese Art Yamato Bunkakan is a museum of Asian art in Nara, Nara. The museum was established in 1960 to preserve and display the private collection of Kintetsu Corporation.