Best Museums in Kyoto
Top 10 Must-Visit Museums in Kyoto
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Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for over a millennium, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. This city walks the tightrope between history and modernity, where ancient temples coexist with bustling shopping districts, and traditional tea houses are just a stone’s throw from cutting-edge art galleries.
For visitors, Kyoto offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all interests, from the ancient artifacts of the Kyoto National Museum to the playful nostalgia of feudal times, the city’s museums provide deep dives into art, history, and pop culture. Each museum provides a unique window into different facets of Japanese culture, so here we have curated a list that incorporates both the best of local popularity rankings in Kyoto and the overall relevance of these cultural institutions. Read on!
See also: 15 Best Museums in Japan & Best Museum Virtual Tours in Japan
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1. Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum (京都国立博物館), established in 1897, is one of Japan’s oldest and most esteemed museums. Located in the Higashiyama district, the museum’s Heisei Chishinkan Wing showcases a vast collection of cultural properties, including ancient sculptures, ceramics, and textiles. The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that focus on various aspects of Japanese art and history, with a focus on Kyoto and the Kansai region.
A standout feature is the Japanese Sculpture gallery, where dramatic lighting highlights intricate details of Buddhist statues from local temples. The museum also engages visitors with its mascot, Torarin, inspired by an 18th-century painting, adding a playful touch to the cultural exploration.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re fascinated by ancient Japanese art and cultural artifacts and want to see rotating exhibitions that focus on Kyoto and the Kansai region.
2. The Cultural Museum of Kyoto
Inside a historic building that once served as the Kyoto Branch of the Bank of Japan, The Museum of Kyoto (京都文化博物館) is a deep dive into the city’s vast and invaluable heritage. The museum’s permanent exhibits chronicle Kyoto’s evolution from the Heian period to the present day, featuring artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical documents.
One of the museum’s highlights is the recreated streetscape of Kyoto during the Edo period, which is a vivid and immersive way to imagine what the past was really like. The annex building hosts various temporary exhibitions, including contemporary art and cultural displays, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re interested in a comprehensive historical overview of Kyoto, including immersive displays of the city’s past and vibrant cultural exhibitions.
3. Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum
For those fascinated by Japan’s feudal era, the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum (京都侍&忍者ミュージアム) offers an immersive experience into the world of these legendary warriors. Located in central Kyoto, this museum features an array of samurai armor, ninja tools, and historical artifacts.
You can participate in interactive exhibits, including sword demonstrations and ninja training sessions, providing a hands-on understanding of these iconic figures. The museum also offers opportunities to dress in samurai armor or ninja costumes, adding a fun and engaging element to the historical education.
You should definitely visit this museum if you want a hands-on experience with samurai armor and ninja tools, including interactive exhibits and costume opportunities.
See also: Samurai Museum Tokyo vs Samurai Museum Kyoto
Information
 Access |
2-min walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station |
|---|---|
 Official Website |
https://mai-ko.com/samurai/ |
4. Kyoto Railway Museum
The Kyoto Railway Museum (京都鉄道博物館), located in the Umekoji Park area, offers an extensive look at Japan’s railway history and technological advancements. Opened in 2016, this museum features an impressive collection of locomotives, from steam engines to modern Shinkansen trains. You can explore interactive exhibits, including train simulators, and enjoy a panoramic view of the working rail yard from the observation deck.
The museum’s roundhouse, a preserved structure from the early 20th century, houses several operational steam locomotives, offering live demonstrations of these historic machines in action. Its educational displays and hands-on experiences truly make it a must-visit for train enthusiasts and families alike.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re a train enthusiast eager to explore Japan’s railway history through interactive exhibits and a vast collection of locomotives.
<<Book your Kyoto Railway Museum tickers here!>>
Information
| Access |
2-min walk from Umekoji-Kyōtonishi Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/ |
5. Kyoto International Manga Museum
Located in a former elementary school building, the Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム) is a paradise for manga fans, housing a collection of over 300,000 manga works. Opened in 2006, the museum covers the history and cultural impact of manga, showcasing original artwork and rare publications.
Come here and browse to your heart’s content the extensive “Wall of Manga,” a series of bookshelves stretching across several floors, where you can sit down to read your favorite titles. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, workshops, and live drawing demonstrations by renowned manga artists, making it a dynamic space for both casual readers and serious enthusiasts.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re a manga fan looking to explore an extensive collection of manga works, engage in live drawing sessions, and enjoy reading manga on site.
More info: Kyoto International Manga Museum
6. National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Located in Okazaki Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto [MoMAK] (京都国立近代美術館), focuses on 20th-century Japanese art, offering a diverse collection that includes nihonga (Japanese-style painting), yoga (Western-style painting), crafts, and photography. The museum’s permanent collection features works by prominent Japanese artists, while its rotating special exhibitions bring contemporary art from around the world to Kyoto.
The modern architecture of the building, designed by Fumihiko Maki, complements the innovative spirit of the artworks displayed inside. A visit yo MoMAK provides a compelling insight into Japan’s artistic evolution over the past century, thanks to its mix of traditional and avant-garde pieces.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re interested in 20th-century Japanese art, including both traditional and contemporary works, set in a modern architectural space.
7. The Kyoto Costume Museum
The Kyoto Costume Museum (京都服飾文化研究財団), located in the heart of Kyoto, is a unique exploration of Japan’s rich textile and fashion history. Focusing primarily on the Heian period (794-1185), the museum’s exhibits showcase exquisite reproductions of traditional clothing, including the intricate twelve-layered court costumes worn by aristocracy. Here you will marvel at the detailed craftsmanship and learn about the historical significance of each garment.
The museum also features interactive displays and educational materials that provide insight into the evolution of Japanese fashion and its cultural context, leaving you with a good understanding of the artistry and tradition of Japanese attire.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re captivated by the history of Japanese fashion, especially the intricate costumes from the Heian period.
8. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Located in Okazaki Park, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (京都市京セラ美術館) is one of Japan’s oldest public art museums, recently renovated and reopened in 2020. The museum’s impressive collection spans a wide range of artistic styles and periods, featuring works by prominent Japanese and international artists.
The permanent collection includes modern and contemporary art, while the museum’s special exhibitions cover various themes and media. The building itself is an architectural gem, incorporating historical elements with modern design to create a welcoming and inspiring space for visitors. The museum’s lush garden and terrace offer additional spots for reflection and appreciation of art in a quiet and relaxing environment.
You should definitely visit this museum if you appreciate modern and contemporary art and want to experience it within a beautifully renovated historic building.
Information
| Access |
8-min walk from Higashiyama Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
http://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/ |
9. Gallery of Kyoto Traditional Arts & Crafts
In the cultural heart of Kyoto, the Gallery of Kyoto Traditional Arts & Crafts (京都伝統工芸館) celebrates the city’s vast heritage of traditional crafts. The museum showcases an extensive array of Kyoto’s artisanal crafts, including pottery, textiles, lacquerware, and metalwork, highlighting the skill and dedication of local craftsmen. Interactive exhibits and live demonstrations allow visitors to witness the intricate techniques involved in creating these masterpieces.
The museum also offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at various crafts, providing a hands-on understanding of Kyoto’s artisanal traditions. A visit to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design offers an enriching experience, connecting visitors with the city’s enduring legacy of craftsmanship.
You should definitely visit this museum if you’re keen to learn about traditional Japanese crafts through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by local artisans.
Information
| Access |
1-min walk from Karasuma Oike Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
http://www.dentoukougei.com/ |
10. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (月桂冠大倉記念館), located in the historic Fushimi district of Kyoto, offers an in-depth look at the art of sake brewing, a tradition that dates back over 380 years. Housed in a former sake brewery, the museum showcases the history and techniques of sake production through displays of vintage brewing equipment, historical documents, and informative exhibits. Here you can explore the sake brewing process, from rice cultivation to fermentation and bottling.
The tour concludes on a high note with a sake tasting, where you can sample different varieties of Gekkeikan sake, before heading to a well-stocked gift shop, with an array of sake-related products and souvenirs, making it a perfect destination for both sake enthusiasts and those looking to learn more about this quintessential Japanese beverage.
You should definitely visit this museum if you want to delve into the history and process of sake brewing, with the added bonus of tasting different varieties of sake.
Information
| Access |
5-in walk from Chushojima Station |
|---|---|
| Official Website |
https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/enjoy/museum/ |
11. Bonus track: The Nintendo Museum – Coming Soon!
Anticipation runs high for the upcoming Nintendo Museum (ニンテンドーミュージアム) in Kyoto, set to open in the fall of 2024! This museum will be located at the former Uji Ogura Plant, where Nintendo once manufactured playing cards, marking a significant site in the company’s storied history. The museum promises to celebrate the legacy of Nintendo, one of the most influential companies in the gaming industry.
You can expect interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and exclusive memorabilia that trace Nintendo’s evolution from a playing card company to a global entertainment giant. Although the museum is not yet open, it has already generated considerable hype among fans and prospective tourists, eager to experience the magic of Nintendo in the city where it all began. Stay tuned!
You should definitely visit this museum if… Oh c’mon do I really have to say it?
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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