Postcards from Japan: Kobe

On their trip to Japan this past summer, co-owners Kaz and Yuka Morihata made a special visit to the Takenaka Carpentry Tool Museum in Kobe, Japan. 

A museum entirely dedicated to the rich tradition of wood craft in Japan, it showcases traditional masterpieces of woodworking along with ancient carpentry tools that are masterpieces in and of themselves. The architecture of the museum itself is an elegant reflection of this craft.

Exterior of the museum

Exterior view of the museum

Carpentry tools

Exhibits showcased carpentry tools and show how them develop over the ages

Woodworking Tools

Chisels and saws used for wood working

Woodworking Tools

Chisels and saws used for wood working

Woodworking Tools

Saws of varying sizes and shapes for different uses

Woodworking Tools

Saws of varying sizes and shapes for different uses

Woodworking Tools

Chisels and hand planes for shaving wood

Model of a temple

Tea House

This construction of a tea house is shows the extraordinary amount of detail that goes into the framework alone

Kumiko Screen Panel

These intricate screens are constructed with hand cut pieces of wood fit together without any use of nails or glue.

Close-up of Kumiko Screen Panel

These intricate screens are constructed with hand cut pieces of wood fit together without any use of nails or glue.

Explore our dedication to the tradition of wood craft and to the spirit of shokunin.