Step into the serene world of Japanese carpentry. This exhibition transports visitors from the living forests that sustain the craft to the celebrated structures it has produced.

For centuries, Japanese master carpenters have developed tools and techniques informed by the extraordinary qualities of wood. They create structures of beauty and complexity – from exquisite joinery to robust architecture that withstands wind, snow and earthquakes.

The Craft of Carpentry celebrates the tools and craftsmanship behind Japan’s temples and shrines. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a life-size reconstruction of the Sa-an teahouse in the temple Daitoku-ji in Kyoto, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the intimate elegance of teahouse architecture.

With hands-on opportunities to assemble ingenious wood joints yourself, to the evocative scents of Japan’s native wood types, a visit to The Craft of Carpentry brings you up close to this important tradition and its sacred roots.

The Japan House London Craft of Carpentry exhibition is supported by Takenaka Europe GmbH, Epson UK Ltd and Yamaha Music Europe GmbH.

Booking tickets

Entry to our Gallery for this exhibition is free and booking is encouraged, but drop-ins are also welcome.

Before making your booking, you might like to note the following:

• The slot on your ticket indicates your chosen arrival time. Please arrive within this slot, as we may not be able to guarantee immediate entry for guests who arrive late.

• Japan House London closes at 20:00 Monday to Saturday and 18:00 on Sunday. Please take this into account when booking your arrival time.

• Our booking system is based on guests spending approximately 40 minutes in the Gallery. There may be occasions when guests are asked to wait outside the Gallery for a short while in order to maintain the appropriate number of visitors inside.

• Guests will also be able to access the Ground Floor, including the Shop, the Stand and our other cultural installations (tickets are not required here).

• If you have any problems booking your ticket, please contact us with your preferred date and time.

Please note that this exhibition openly displays various types of wood, such as Japanese cedar, and may not be suitable for visitors with a wood allergy.

All children must be supervised by an adult. Please note the interactive area of the exhibition is for children aged 3 years and over.

Rucksacks are not permitted in the Gallery. Items up to cabin bag size (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) can be left in our cloakroom.