Worldwide notions of Japan’s graphic aesthetics can be attributed to ukiyo-e; the art of woodblock prints. Having influenced Japanese taste and popular culture for more than three centuries, ukiyo-e is now somewhat of a dying art. Of the remaining ukiyo-e artists, Ichimura Mamoru is one of the most well-renowned. Something between an artist’s studio and a museum, swing by the Ukiyo-e Small Museum to meet the man and see his work. As soon as you approach the door, you’ll get a sense of Mamoru’s fun and eccentric personality, with a sign in broken English explaining the museum’s erratic hours: basically, Mamoru opens whenever he feels like it. With an interesting collection of ukiyo-e prints on display and an artist that’s always willing to help out with a wood carving, you’ll love this quirky corner of Kyoto.
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