Craftsmanship of Hiroshima: Mazda Museum and Kumano Brushes (by Car)

This driving route introduces two forms of Hiroshima craftsmanship: automobiles and brushes. After visiting the Mazda Museum in Fuchu-cho to see Mazda's history and an actual assembly plant, head to Fude-no-Sato Kobo in Kumano-cho, the home of Kumano brushes, to experience the history of brushmaking and artisan skills.

History and Local Charm

The Mazda Museum is a corporate museum located on the grounds of Mazda's Hiroshima headquarters in Fuchu-cho. Opened in May 1994, it allows visitors to experience Mazda's journey from its founding into the future as a single, continuous story.

The connection between Kumano-cho and brushes began in the Edo period. In Kumano, where flat land was scarce, residents purchased brushes and ink from the Nara region during the agricultural off-season to sell elsewhere. In the late Edo period, a woman from Kumano is said to have married a brush artisan from Hakata, Chikuzen, and returned to Kumano to make brushes, marking the craft's beginning here. After World War II, the full-scale production of artist brushes and makeup brushes also began, and in 1975 (Showa 50), Kumano brushes were designated as a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Automobiles assembled in a factory and brushes finished by hand one by one by craftsmen. The appeal of this route is comparing these two distinct forms of craftsmanship, differing in size and method, all in one day.

Key Highlights

• ​Mazda Museum​​: The facility is divided into 10 exhibition zones, beginning with the "Origin of Monotsukuri Spirit" dating back to 1920, and continuing through Mazda's history as an all-round automaker, motorsports, and technological exhibits. The Mazda 787B, which in 1991 became the first Japanese car to take overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is also on display. A special feature of this museum is the ability to view an actual assembly plant right before your eyes. Note that photography is prohibited within the factory zone and of the grounds outside.
• ​Fude-no-Sato Kobo​​: Opened in September 1994 (Heisei 6), this brush museum is located in the production center of Kumano brushes. It introduces the culture woven by brushes, including calligraphy, painting, crafts, and cosmetics. In the permanent exhibition, you can see the "World's Largest Brush," measuring 3.7 meters in length and weighing 400 kilograms, and watch brushmaking demonstrations by traditional master artisans. The collection of brushes gathered by Kyoto calligrapher Kimura Yozan is also preserved here.
• ​Brushmaking Workshop​​: At Fude-no-Sato Kobo, you can experience two of the twelve brushmaking steps: uwagemaki (wrapping the outer hair) and finishing. At the on-site "Kumano Brush Select Shop Main Store," you can hold and choose Kumano brushes from about 1,500 varieties, including calligraphy brushes, artist brushes, and makeup brushes.

Suggested Itinerary and Duration

The recommended duration is about 5 hours. Visits to the Mazda Museum require advance reservations and cannot be attended without one. It is usually open on weekdays, with special openings on select Saturdays. Because Mazda Museum tours are centered on weekdays, choose your travel date by checking the open days of Fude-no-Sato Kobo as well.

When visiting by car, park in the parking lot in front of Mazda headquarters, gather in the first-floor lobby of the headquarters building, and take a dedicated bus to the museum. Tours are guided in Japanese, and some are also offered in English.

After concluding your visit, head approximately 8 kilometers east-southeast in a straight line to Fude-no-Sato Kobo. Fude-no-Sato Kobo also has a parking lot. After viewing the exhibits and demonstrations, get closer to Kumano brushes through the hands-on workshop and shop. Depending on the time of your reserved tour slot, you may also visit Fude-no-Sato Kobo first.

Experience Summary

A race car that sped through Le Mans, automobiles being assembled right now, and a single brush born from the hands of an artisan. This is a day to visit two craft traditions rooted in Hiroshima and encounter the techniques and dedication handed down in each. A brush you finish yourself makes a lasting travel keepsake.