Kurabo Museum

The Kurabo Museum (倉紡記念館) invites visitors to explore the legacy of one of Japan’s pioneering textile companies: the Kurashiki Bosekijo spinning mill. Founded in 1888 during Japan’s period of rapid industrialization, Kurabo played a crucial role in transforming Kurashiki from a merchant town into a major center of textile production. Housed in a former cotton mill, the museum offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s Meiji-era industrial boom. Its five themed exhibition rooms lead guests through the company’s evolution, from early mechanical looms to modern innovations in fibers and fabric technology.

Each room features original machinery, historic photographs, documents, and textile samples that bring the story of Kurabo to life. Visitors can trace the development of spinning techniques, gain insight into the working conditions of mill laborers, and discover how the company’s growth fueled Kurashiki’s economic rise. Thoughtfully curated displays provide broader context on Japan’s industrial transformation, making the museum especially appealing to those interested in history, engineering, and cultural change. Located within the ivy-covered grounds of Kurashiki Ivy Square, it’s a convenient and atmospheric stop for travelers exploring the city’s industrial heritage.