Kyoto City will present the 2026 Traditional Industries Day “Takumi Expo” at the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” on Saturday 14 March and Sunday 15 March 2026, celebrating the city's centuries-old craft traditions through exhibitions, demonstrations and hands-on cultural experiences. Admission to the event is free.

Designated by the City of Kyoto in 2001, Traditional Industries Day coincides with the Spring Equinox and was established to give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience and learn about Kyoto's traditional industries. The annual event highlights the skills and creativity of artisans whose work continues to shape the city's cultural identity. The Expo will bring together master craftspeople, mid-career artisans and emerging makers in a major showcase of Kyoto craftsmanship. Visitors can explore exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and interactive programmes centred on traditional techniques and materials.

Key highlights include:

• The Master Craftsmen of Kyoto: Shunju-kai exhibition, featuring works by leading Kyoto artisans.
• Living Handicrafts of Kyoto, presenting crafts from members of the Kyoto City Traditional Crafts Liaison Council.
• Skills Showcase – Future Masters of Traditional Industries, introducing mid-career artisans shaping the future of Kyoto's craft sector.
• Kyoto Traditional Industries Wakaba-kai Works Exhibition, displaying innovative works by young craftspeople.
• Nishijin Textile Centre 50th Anniversary Prize-Winning Works Exhibition, featuring award-winning Nishijin textile creations.
• Dyeing and Weaving Workshops, offering demonstrations and hands-on experiences of traditional techniques.

Visitors can also take part in a range of cultural activities including a picture book and craft workshop, a mystery-solving programme themed around Kyoto crafts, and a mini concert by members of the City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, celebrating the orchestra's 70th anniversary.

Food and local produce will also feature at the Gourmet Expo, where visitors can sample Kyoto sweets, sake and regional dishes alongside coffee and ramen food trucks.

Alongside the Takumi Expo, Kyoto will run a “Go Out in Kimono” campaign during March, encouraging visitors wearing kimono to explore cultural facilities across the city with free admission for kimono wearers at participating venues during the whole month of March 2026.

The 2026 Traditional Industries Day events are organised by the City of Kyoto and the Traditional Industries Day Executive Committee, with the aim of promoting Kyoto's traditional industries and sharing their cultural significance with wider audiences.

Event details:

Event: Traditional Industries Day 2026 – Takumi Expo
Dates: Saturday 14 March – Sunday 15 March 2026
Time: 10:00am–5:00pm (closes 4:00pm on the final day)
Venue: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe”, Exhibition Hall 2 and Foyer
Admission: Free

For further information, see the Traditional Industries Day event information page on the City of Kyoto website. LINK

Planning a trip to Kyoto? Check our official website: www.Kyoto.travel

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