At several places in Kyoto, the author measured microbial counts in environments in which sliding screenand wall panel-paintings were stored or exhibited. The <i>Nijo-jo castle is located near the center of Kyoto and has a relatively dry environment. The <i>Nanzen-ji temple is at the feet of Mt. <i>Higashiyama and is generally humid (70-90% RH) being surrounded by many trees. In the <i>Nijo-jo castle, the total microbial count in the <i>Tozamuraino-ma room (which is the front room just inside the entrance) and in the open air were 259/m³ and 263/m³ respectively, and those at the grand hall and <i>Shiro-shoin (the back room) were 767/m³ and 608/m³ respectively. This is because the two latter rooms are poorly ventilated, allowing the microorganisms and dusts brought there by visitors to stagnate. At four spots in the <i>Nanzen-ji temple, the total microbial counts showed all similar values, 700-850/ m³. -- AATA