The Westin Miyako Kyoto (1 Awadaguchi Kacho-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto) and craft brand SHITSURAE KYOTO (Kyoto Buddhist Equipment Cooperative, 607-10 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto) will host a special exhibition "POST-TRAD Exhibition 2026" at the hotel's main lobby from February 14 (Saturday) to February 23 (Monday, National Holiday), 2026.
The exhibition showcases SHITSURAE KYOTO's "POST-TRAD (Post-Trad)" works, which reconstruct traditional techniques and aesthetics inherited by Kyoto's Buddhist altar craftsmen into contemporary art pieces suitable for modern spaces. During this period when guests from diverse cultural backgrounds visit Kyoto from around the world, the exhibition provides an opportunity to experience Kyoto's unique traditional culture during your stay.
The displayed works primarily feature the "Blossom" series (Hiage/Hakuto/Saika), which expresses the moment of flowers in full bloom through three-dimensional sculptural forms, alongside other craft pieces rooted in Kyoto's traditional techniques. Guests can enjoy works where traditional culture harmonizes with contemporary design as "shitsuraeā€"decorative elements that enhance the hotel space.
Additionally, workshops offering hands-on experience with Kyoto's metalworking techniques will be held during the exhibition period. Under direct guidance from craftsmen, participants can experience processes such as engraving and polishing, taking their completed works home the same day.
Please enjoy this special experience touching Kyoto's traditional techniques as a memorable part of your stay.
Event Overview
"POST-TRAD Exhibition 2026"
Exhibition Period: February 14 (Saturday) to February 23 (Monday, National Holiday), 2026
Venue: Partial area of The Westin Miyako Kyoto Main Lobby
Highlights
① Special Exhibition Experiencing Kyoto Traditional Crafts as Spatial Art
Works rooted in Kyoto's advanced traditional techniques and aesthetics, including Buddhist altar production and metalworking, are displayed to blend seamlessly into the hotel space. The exhibition creates a new Kyoto cultural experience that guests encounter naturally along their daily paths.
Some displayed works are available for purchase during the exhibition period.
② International Cultural Experience
Multilingual support in Japanese and English makes the appeal of Kyoto culture accessible to international guests.
Each displayed work features a QR code, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of the production background and techniques.
③ Hands-On Workshop Learning from Craftsmen
Workshops offering hands-on experience with processes such as engraving and polishing will be held. Participants can take their completed works home the same day.
Dates:
February 17 (Tuesday), 21 (Saturday), 2026
Session ① 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, ② 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, ③ 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Capacity: 10 participants per session
Advance reservations required (same-day participation available if space permits)
Programs:
- Pure Silver Ring Making Experience: 5,500 yen (tax included)
Using pure silver material, participants experience pattern engraving with a chisel (tagane) and polishing processes.
Even beginners can safely participate in experiencing the fundamentals of Kyoto's metalworking techniques.
- Brass Bangle Making Experience: 6,600 yen (tax included)
Experience engraving and hammering techniques using brass material to create an original bangle that can be enjoyed as it ages over time.
Content, schedule, and fees are subject to change.
Details regarding venue, advance reservation methods, etc. will be announced on the official website.
About SHITSURAE KYOTO
A craft brand that explores new expressions suited to contemporary spaces and lifestyles, starting from traditional techniques and aesthetics such as woodworking, lacquerwork, painting, and ornamental metal fittings cultivated through Buddhist altar production.
Rather than simply following traditionally inherited techniques as-is, the brand approaches reconstruction by overlaying them with contemporary sensibilities and values, termed "Post-Trad," proposing new forms of beauty born at the intersection of tradition and modernity.
The signature "Blossom" series is a symbolic collection of works that fuse formative philosophy rooted in Buddhist altar design with contemporary forms, against the backdrop of universal themes such as the cycle of life and prayer. The brand positions craft not as objects for appreciation alone, but as presences that arrange spaces and quietly accompany daily life. Through exhibitions and workshops, it continues to communicate domestically and internationally the possibilities where inheritance of tradition and innovation coexist, asking how craft can live within our lives today.
Official Website: https://tsugubutsugu.com/
About The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama area, the hotel has welcomed numerous VIPs since its establishment in 1890. The spacious interior features designs by architect Togo Murano throughout, creating a space where historical prestige and design elegance breathe.
The 2021 renovation transformed five restaurants and bars. The all-day dining "Rakku" offers seasonal themed buffets with views, while "Dominique Bouchet Kyoto" presents refined cuisine expressing the seasons and Kyoto's charms using Kyoto-grown vegetables and local ingredients, based on traditional French techniques. Guest rooms feature spacious layouts with independent bathrooms, all equipped with the cloud-like "Heavenly Bed." From the refined guest room windows that value harmony with the surrounding environment, guests can enjoy views of the courtyard greenery and Kyoto cityscape.
SPA "Kachō," utilizing natural hot spring water sourced on the premises, offers a relaxing space spanning 2,100 square meters to rejuvenate mind and body. The sukiya-style annex "Kasui-en," designed by Togo Murano, allows guests to enjoy natural hot spring water from Mount Kachō in their room bathrooms, and the Kasui-en garden utilizing natural rock formations is another highlight. The hotel also features comprehensive wellness facilities including the suite guest-exclusive "Westin Club" and Westin Workout. The rooftop garden offers panoramic views of Kyoto's changing townscape through the seasons, and the property contains numerous other attractions.
Nearby temples and shrines include Nanzen-ji, Chion-in, and Heian Shrine, along with museums and zoos, making it conveniently located for Kyoto sightseeing. The hotel meets all travel needs with a relaxing stay where guests can forget daily life and unwind mind and body.
Official Website:
https://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/westinkyoto
Official Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/westinmiyakokyoto/
Official Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/westinmiyako.kyoto
