The Annual Comb Festival & Hair Ornament Exhibition
Comb with design of Scrollwork; The Sawanoi Collection of Combs and Hairpins exhibited at Hosomi Museum
Each September, Kyoto’s Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine hosts the Kushi Matsuri, or Comb Festival, a unique celebration dedicated to traditional Japanese combs (kushi) and the rich culture of hair styling in Japan (this year’s festival is Sept. 29). While seemingly humble, the wooden comb holds deep cultural and aesthetic significance, especially in the world of traditional Japanese beauty.
Since ancient times, Japanese hairstyles have been more than personal expression—they’ve reflected social status, marital status, and even political affiliation. From the intricate taka-shimada worn by geisha to the distinctive mage topknots of samurai, hair arrangement has long been an art form. These styles were supported by hand-carved wooden combs, lacquered and decorated, often passed down through generations. Such combs were cherished not only for their functionality but also for their craftsmanship, frequently made from boxwood and polished to a smooth finish to avoid damaging delicate hair.
The Comb Festival began in 1961 as a way to honor these combs and hair accessories that have served beauty for years and to pay respect to hairstylists and artisans. The event features a solemn memorial service (from around 13:00) for old combs and hair ornaments, many of which are offered at the shrine in appreciation.
“In Celebration of the Gift: The Sawanol Collection of Combs and Hairpins” at Hosomi Museum
This special exhibition at the Hosomi Museum celebrates the remarkable donation of over 5,000 traditional hair ornaments and accessories** from the Sawanoi Museum of Combs and Kanzashi. Highlights include exquisite combs and kanzashi (hairpins), some bearing the signatures of renowned Rinpa artists. The exhibition also features inro (medicine cases) and kiseru (Japanese pipe cases), blending beauty with practical function.
The Sawanol Museum, founded in 1998 in Tokyo by Tomoyo Okazaki—a former Gion geiko—has introduced visitors to the artistry of Japanese adornment, especially from the late Edo (1603–1868) to Showa (1926–1988) periods. This exhibition offers an exceptional opportunity to witness its legacy and the refined beauty of traditional Japanese hair culture.
Dates: Sept. 6 – Oct. 3, Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Closed Mon. / open if Mon. is a national holiday, then closed the following Tue.), Admission: ¥1,800, http://www.emuseum.or.jp
