Hideyoshi's Remaking of Kyoto

The exhibition follows six themes: Kyoto before Hideyoshi; Myokenji Castle and Jurakudai; the Tensho-era land divisions, Teramachi, Odoi earthworks, Kyoto Shinjo and the court-noble district; Fushimi and Yodo castles; Hokoji’s Great Buddha; and tea ceramics excavated in Kyoto. This range links political projects to changes in the streets and objects of everyday urban life. A particular highlight is the gold-leaf roof tiles from Fushimi Castle excavated at Toryo Junior High School. Alongside the artifacts, excavation photographs and historical map panels help relate fragments to places. The introduction also shows an excavation photograph of Shigetsu Fushimi Castle’s stone wall: viewing it as archaeological evidence helps connect a vanished complex with what survives below ground.

Reservation

Not confirmed

Tickets / booking

Ordinary exhibition admission is free. Related lectures and curator explanations are separate, advance-booked activities at ¥1,000 per person; archaeological walks cost ¥2,000. The museum currently marks every remaining related programme full. Plan a self-guided exhibition visit unless the museum later confirms a change in availability.

Price note

Ordinary exhibition free. Related lectures/curator explanations ¥1,000 and walks ¥2,000; all remaining sessions are currently full.

Access

Go to Kyoto City Archaeological Museum at 265-1 Motoisacho, Imadegawa-dori Omiya-higashiiru, Kamigyo-ku. The special exhibition uses the first-floor display area and an under-stairs case. Imadegawa-Omiya city-bus stop is directly outside. From Horikawa-Imadegawa, walk west for two minutes to the museum. City bus 9 connects Kyoto Station and Nijojo-mae with Horikawa-Imadegawa. Last entry is 16:30.

Rain

The objects, maps and photographs are displayed indoors. You can put the museum before an outdoor walk and leave the street exploration for better weather. Severe-weather notices can affect museum opening, so consult the museum’s current announcement before travelling during a weather alert.

Crowds

Currently full: lectures on 27 September, 11 October and 3 November; the curator explanation on 24 October; and archaeological walks on 25 September and 17 October. Lectures have 30 places, curator explanations 10 and walks 15. Their original application periods do not mean places remain available. For any later availability change, use the museum’s current exhibition notice or call 075-432-3245.

Nearby spots

Jurakudai is one of the exhibition’s main subjects. After comparing the historical maps and excavation evidence, an independent walk can help connect that former castle district with today’s streets. This is separate from the museum’s organized Jurakudai walk, which is currently full.

Itinerary hint

Begin with Kyoto before Hideyoshi, then follow the new castles and changes to roads, temple districts and boundaries. Finish with the excavated tea ceramics to bring the focus back to objects used in the city. Choose an open day and arrive before 16:30; holiday Mondays open, with the following weekday closed. Use the Archaeological Museum’s exhibition notice for programme status and its access page for the journey. This exhibition is at the Archaeological Museum, not the similarly themed show at Kyoto City Historical Materials Museum.