I had about two hours to explore Kyoto while Steven studied PKU diseases at ICIEM 2025. I elected to take the subway one stop from our hotel, to the north end of the Imperial Palace gardens, where the Nishijin Textile Center is a shortish walk away. While there are historic displays (see loom diorama below) and there is a movie you can watch (languagues alternate), for me, the big draw was the textile shop on the second floor, with beautiful silk and cotton goods, including kimonos and ties and purses. Kyoto was the center of hand loomed textiles for the imperial family and priests during the Edo period (1603-1867), until the capital of Japan was moved to Tokyo. My Frommer's guidebook tells me 7,000 looms (which are the size of a small room) were in the Nishijin district of Kyoto alone. The museum is located on the market street where woven goods were once auctioned. Tiny Japanese ladies now demonstrate some of the weaving techniques, though I was too shy to ask any questions. The center also has experential events for a fee (the museum itself is free), which includes rent-a-kimono, geisha in training, and the less involved weave-a-centerpiece and make-a-kaledidoscope classes.
I opted to purchase the kaleidoscope kit to make when I get back home. It comes with Nishijin textile fabric. It was difficult to choose just one, the fabric is so vibrant. Of course, I picked up other lovely items, including paper geisha magnets, and several Tenugui cloths, made by a company (Eirakuya) celebrating its 410th anniversary. Tenugui was originally used instead of paper bags to wrap items in, but in a much more colorful and beautiful way.
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