A bit of a touristy spot, but worth a visit to learn about how kimonos are made. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a kimono fashion show.
The Nishijin Textile Center is the central sight in Kyoto’s traditional weaving district, Nishijin. Unfortunately, the building itself is a forgettable pile and many of the exhibits are dated and of minimal interest. Worse still, it’s on the itinerary of many bus tour groups, so it’s often packed with camera-toting package tourists.
Still, if you head upstairs, you can see some traditional looms being operated by old Nishijin ladies, and, if you’re timing is right, you might catch a kimono fashion show – in which a series are superb kimono are modeled by some extremely lovely models (perhaps this explains the male visitors’ deep seemingly overwhelming interest in kimono design).
English address:
Horikawa-dori Imadegawa Minami iru, Kamigyo-ku
Japanese address::
上京区堀川通今出川南入
Opening hours:
9am-5pm
Admission:
Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Horikawa Imadegawa Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 9 from Kyoto Station
Nearest Hotels:
See hotels near to Nishijin Textile Center on Agoda.com
Telephone: 451-9231
Website:
Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Nishijin Textile Center is located in Kyoto’s Nishijin district. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
