Kurayoshi Museum

Kurayoshi Museum and the Kurayoshi Historical Folklore Museum are located within Utsubuki Park in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture. Together, they form a comprehensive public museum complex that integrates fine arts, history, and folk culture. The origins of the complex trace back to the “Kurayoshi Local History Museum,” established in 1968. In 1974, it was relocated to a newly constructed facility in Utsubuki Park and officially opened under the name “Kurayoshi Museum.” In 1985, Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) also visited the museum during his attendance at the National Sports Festival.

The museum’s fine arts section is known for exhibiting works connected to Kurayoshi and its surrounding region. Highlights include important pieces by renowned artists such as the Western-style painter Kanji Maeda, the Japanese-style painter Tatehiko Suga, and the printmaker Tomisaburō Hasegawa, showcasing the rich and diverse artistic heritage nurtured by the local area. The history section houses and displays archaeological artifacts excavated from nearby sites around Kurayoshi, including several items designated as Important Cultural Properties, offering visitors a tangible way to understand the region’s historical development through actual objects.

Adjacent to Kurayoshi Museum is the Kurayoshi Historical Folklore Museum, which focuses on the everyday life and folk traditions of Kurayoshi. The two buildings are connected by an outdoor walkway, making it easy for visitors to explore them together. From art and archaeology to local customs and daily life, the combined experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Kurayoshi’s cultural depth.