Naramachi

Shiryokan Museum

A Hidden Treasure

of Nara’s Folk Beliefs and Everyday History

Founded in 1984 as a private museum, the Naramachi Shiryokan Museum is a heartfelt tribute to the folk traditions and daily life of old Nara. Located in a quiet corner of Naramachi, this small but fascinating museum was originally the home of its founder, who transformed part of the residence into a public space to preserve and share the region’s popular beliefs, crafts, and customs.

Inside, you’ll find a rich collection of Buddhist statues, vintage shop signs, household tools, and folk art, all displayed in a cozy, informal setting. One of the museum’s most iconic features is the “Migawari-zaru” (substitute monkey charm)—a red monkey talisman hung from eaves to ward off misfortune, rooted in Kōshin faith. These charms are unique to Naramachi and available only at the museum, making them a meaningful and exclusive souvenir.

The museum also hosts seasonal exhibitions, community events, and student fieldwork programs, making it a lively hub of cultural exchange. Entry is free, and the welcoming atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and connect with the spirit of everyday life in historic Nara.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about local traditions, the Naramachi Shiryokan Museum offers a genuine and intimate cultural experience.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Naramachi Shiryokan Museum to life.

Traditional Japanese restaurant entrance decorated with red lanterns and a large paper lantern hanging in the center; wooden sign with Japanese characters above the entrance.
Exterior view of a Japanese building decorated with red lanterns and lantern-shaped ornaments, with a wooden sign with Japanese characters on it.
A bronze statue of a standing deity or figure with traditional Japanese or Buddhist attire, surrounded by red decorative lanterns and paper lanterns hanging above, with a Japanese script plaque beside it.
Numerous red fabric pouches with white bands and black Chinese characters hanging from strings, typically used as prayer or fortune charms in Asian culture.
A Buddhist or Shinto religious statue of a female deity or bodhisattva, with intricate robes, a halo, and jewelry, standing on a pedestal inside a shrine with various displays, signs, and red decorations around.
Display of handmade fabric and knit crafts, including bags, pouches, towels, and toys at a craft market stall.
A religious altar with a statue of a multi-armed deity inside a black wooden cabinet. The altar is decorated with colorful flowers at the base and has a sign with Japanese writing and the title 'Shomenkongo' below the statue.
Display of traditional Japanese objects including a wooden sign with calligraphy, an antique iron, a decorative vase with Japanese characters, and informational signs, all inside a store with a window showing the street outside.
Traditional Japanese restaurant entrance decorated with red lanterns and a large red paper lantern hanging in the center, surrounded by a black wooden fence and a sign with Japanese characters.
Entrance of a traditional Japanese building decorated with red lanterns, hanging ornaments, and lanterns on the roof. A wooden sign with Japanese characters is on the right side. The building has a black fence in front and a small window.
A black statue of a Buddhist deity or monk is surrounded by red and white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, with a Japanese informational sign to the right.
Multiple red fabric pouches with white bands hanging, some with black Asian characters, likely traditional or decorative items.
A display in a museum featuring a large statue of a Japanese deity or figure, with informational signs, small items, and decorations around it, and a gold backdrop behind the statue.
Display of handmade quilts, fabric pouches, small bags, plush bears, framed fabric art, and other sewn items at a craft fair stall.
A Japanese altar with a central statue of a deity, adorned with hanging ornaments, flanked by floral arrangements of yellow, white, purple, and red flowers, and surrounded by traditional Japanese scroll paintings on the wall.
Display of traditional Japanese pottery and an iron tool inside a shop window, with a view of the street outside.