Visit the National Crafts Museum
Dewamachi, Japan
Set in two restored Meiji-era buildings near Kenrokuen, the National Crafts Museum places ceramics, lacquer, textiles, metalwork and design in a broader artistic context. Changing exhibitions draw on Japanese and international work, offering a useful counterpoint to the city's traditional craft shops. The relocated studio of lacquer artist Matsuda Gonroku gives a closer sense of how objects are made. Look at the current programme before going, since the works on view change between exhibitions.