Omihachiman Roof Tile Museum

Private museum displaying gorgeous kawara

Cathy Cawood May 19, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Roof ornament such as you might see on a temple</p>

<p>The door to a kiln used for baking the tiles  </p>

<p>Tiles are often recycled in paths and walls. The paths around the museum have tiles laid into them.</p>

<p>Broken tiles laid like cobbles, next to tiles laid on edge to form patterns.</p>

<p>Narrow window in the plastered wall of the museum</p>

<p>The museum is in a modern building, yet it has a very traditional vibe to it, due to the use of tiles, plastered walls and small narrow windows</p>

<p>Rock stone steps lead up to the museum from the canal</p>

<p>Example of roof ornaments decorate the museum surroundings</p>

<p>I love the tile border at the base of the museum building!</p>

Kawara, or roof tiles (and ornaments), are one of the things that give Japanese traditional architecture its unique character. On the banks of beautiful Omihachiman Canal there is a small private museum owned by a company which makes kawara. Unfortunately photography is not permitted inside, but there are many beautiful roof ornaments on display. The museum itself is a great example of modern architecture that incorporates traditional elements.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...