So glad that we stumbled across this little Museum. It had such great local arts and crafts in it. Was so good to see how much they still do a lot of the traditional crafts and how time consuming they are.

We were half expecting to see antiquities but were treated to a display of modern crafts for sale. Can't complain much since it's free!

This is basically a big shop of little shops--ceramic wares, textiles, metal ware (all kinds of knives), jewelry (local pearl necklaces and bracelets, etc), fine papers, and the like. Lovely wooden furniture, too, but too big for a tourist to acquire. The one surprise is...More

Located next to the Kumamoto castle, definitely drop by for a visit. Items of purchase are available with various pottery, jewellery and ornaments. Environment gives full display of the local art work within region, good for a quick visit.

I admit it isn't as cheap as any ¥100 shops but the dishes, knifes, jewelry, wood and glass worm weren't made in a factory. If you are looking for two sake cups and a decanter, you'll find something affordable. Due to a lack of time...More

Closed when we attempted to visit in December 2013. Unclear why this was the case but given it is part of the large Kumamoto castle complex this wasn't a major inconvenience.

We walked to the Craft Centre from the Richmond Hotel, took about 12 minutes. It was well worth the visit. The hand made furniture on display and for sale was absolutely marvelous . We would have bought heaps if we lived in Japan. The exhibition...More