Replies

1. 
   BarryO | Jun 22, 2007 10:59am | #1

   Kyoto.

2. 
   tatekata | Jun 22, 2007 04:12pm | #2

   If you are in Kobe, and are interested in tools, there is a small town in Hyogo Prefecture (which Kobe is in) called Miki machi.  Its quite famous for various crafts, etc., plus their ironworks shops.  Some of the most expensive Japanese tools (planes, chisels, saws, etc.) come from Miki.  Its worth the trip if you are interested in Japanese tools.

    

   Scott S

1. 
   beejay | Jun 23, 2007 06:31am | #3

   tatekata, thank you.  I am indeed interested in tools.  I am a wood carver and I sometimes need a special gouge "right now".  I have just been setting up my forge because I want a 50 mm bent fish tail.  I will be thrilled to visit a center of Japanese tool craft.

   BJ

   Gardening, cooking and woodworking in South'n Murlyn'

   Edited 6/22/2007 11:43 pm ET by BeeJay

3. 
   BenM | Jun 25, 2007 04:42am | #4

    

   Kobe has a tool museum.  Unfortunately I never had the chance to go so I don't know how good it is.

    

   Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum	Map: 2C
   A corporate museum that became nationally recognized in 1990, the Takenaka Carpentry Museum collects and exhibits over 1,800 pieces of traditional carpentry tools that have been used since the dawn of architecture in Japan. Skilled tradesmen used their superior, well-kept tools until they were so worn that they had to be thrown out, and it was the wish of Takenaka��s former chairman that as many such tools as possible be salvaged and preserved. It is fascinating to see how such simple wood and iron tools could be used to build something as elaborate as the Todaiji temple in Nara.	View Image Provided by Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
   Address: 4-18-25 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe Tel: 078-242-0216 Access: 10 mins walk from Motomachi Sta. on each Line Open Hours: 9:30-16:30(Admission: until 16:00), Closed on Mondays Admission Fee: Adult:300 yen university/high school student: 200 yen junior high/primary school student: 100 yen URL: http://www.dougukan.jp/eng/

1. 
   beejay | Jun 25, 2007 06:44am | #5

   Thank You

   BJGardening, cooking and woodworking in South'n Murlyn'

4. 
   kenshep | Jun 26, 2007 06:47am | #6

   Shinto temples are built with reverence and the wood working effort is deemed a gift.  If you can walk through a few of them I am sure you will be inspired.

   Ken