Kyoto is the center of traditional Japanese culture in Japan. While much of Japan has modernized and adapted to the changing times, Kyoto still holds on to the many traditional crafts and customs. It served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and is now one of the country’s 10 largest cities in the country. Many people know Kyoto for its countless temples and shrines, but there are many unique museums to explore and get a better understanding of Japanese culture. Discover ukiyo-e prints in a small studio museum, or learn about the history of sake. Whatever your interests are, there’s a museum in the city for you to explore!
- Kansai Grutto Pass
- Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
- The Kyoto International Manga Museum
- National Museum of Modern Art (MoMAK)
- The Museum of Kyoto
- The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
- The Kyoto National Museum
- Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
- The Kyoto Railway Museum
- Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
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Kansai Grutto Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums during your stay, consider buying the Kansai Grutto Pass for ¥1,100, which provides free or discounted admission to a large number of museums and galleries in the Kansai region. You can buy the Kansai Grutto Pass every month except during February and March at the tourism information centers or offices and it is valid for 3 months.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Sake is the drink of choice for those wanting to get into Japanese liquor. Only a few steps away from the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum allows visitors to discover the history of Japanese sake-making. Gekkeikan is one of the largest sake companies in Japan and the museum is located on the museum is located in the same area as company’s original brewery. You can learn about the traditional tools and methods of sake making and be transported back to the old brewery days with traditional chants echoing throughout the museum. Entrance includes a postcard or free sake tasting at the end of your visit.
▶ Kyoto sake Brewery tour + lunch
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
9.30am – 4.30pm
¥600
The Kyoto International Manga Museum
Manga is one of the biggest exports of Japan and now there’s a chance for fans to learn about the history of manga and spend the day learning how to create them. The museum holds a collection of over 30,000 mangas spanning across three floors and a basement. While a majority of the manga is in Japanese there is a selection of 5,000 manga translated into English, Spanish, German, French, and many more. Visitors can attend regular workshops, talks, and performances by reputable manga artists and even have your portrait drawn by a manga artist. Admission costs ¥900, a small price to pay to spend a day reading manga.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum
10.30 – 5.30pm – closed on Tuesday & Wednesday
Admission fee ¥900
National Museum of Modern Art (MoMAK)
This is one of Kyoto’s top contemporary art venues. MoMAK is located in the Okazaki district and is home to over 10,000 artworks including western paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and nihonga (traditional Japanese paintings). Famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yasui Sotaro, and Murakami Kagaku have all displayed their works here.
National Museum of Modern Art
9.30am – 5pm – closed on Monday
Admission fee ¥1,200
The Museum of Kyoto
Housed in a red-brick building, the Museum of Kyoto details the history of the city. The first section of the museum is a reconstruction of Edo Period cafes and shops. The second section houses paintings by Western and Japanese artists, Kyoto dolls called kyo-ningyo, and an area for films about the city with English subtitles.
The Museum of Kyoto
10am – 7.30pm – closed on Monday
¥500
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts is a great place to learn about the tradition of Japanese craft making. The museum is known as Fureaikan by locals, and features exhibitions on textiles, woodworking, metalwork, basket, and many more. The museum offers craft demonstrations, geisha and maiko shows and workshops like a yuzen dyeing experience (advance bookings required). Entry is free and the museum is very close to other major sights in Northern Higashiyama, so it’s great for travelers on a budget. It’s northwest of the National Museum of Modern Art in the Miyako Messe building.
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
9am – 5pm
Free admission
The Kyoto National Museum
First opened in 1897, the Kyoto National Museum is one of the oldest museums in Japan. It’s one of the only four top-level national museums along with the Nara National Museum, Kyushu National Museum, and Tokyo National Museum. The museum presents rotating permanent collections showcasing sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy and many more along with special temporary exhibitions.
The Kyoto National Museum
9.30 am – 5pm
Admission fee ¥300
Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
Presenting the Japanese spirit of netsuke – Japanese miniature sculpture, the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum is a great place to learn about the tradition. Originating in the 17th century, these crafts were handed down from generation through the generation of craftsmen. The museum is located near the Mibudera temple in central Kyoto and is housed in a two-story samurai residence. There is approximately 400 antique and contemporary netsuke on display at one time. As your view the unique figures, visitors can leisurely walk through the traditional Japanese rooms to observe the different materials, shapes, and themes of the figures.
Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum
10am – 5pm – closed on Monday
¥1,000
The Kyoto Railway Museum
The Kyoto Railway Museum was opened in 2016 by the JR West company on the former site of the Umekoji Train and Locomotive Museum#, a 20-minute walk west of Kyoto Station. It’s one of Japan’s three great railway museums along with JR East’s Railway Museum and JR Central’s SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. The museum showcases 53 retired trains from locomotives, electric trains, and bullet trains. Visitors can walk underneath and observe the inner workings of a freight locomotive.
The Kyoto Railway Museum
10am – 5pm – closed on Wednesday
Admission fee ¥1,200 > Get your discounted tickets online
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
Formerly known as the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, the museum was renamed to the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art after the completion of its renovations.The museum brings in a number of new gallery spaces designed by some of Japan’s top architects. After spending a day perusing the exhibit, visitors can stay to admire the after-dark light display. The light colors will change in accordance with the Japanese-24 season calendar.
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
10am – 6pm – closed on Monday
Admission fee ¥730
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
Kyoto holds a rich history of tradition and culture which has been well preserved in the vast number of museums in the city. If you’re ever in this wonderful city be sure to stop by and check out some of the exhibits. Many museums are closed on set day and on public holidays, so make sure to check prior to your visit.
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Happy traveling!
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Jamila Brown is a five-year resident of Japan, teaching in the day and writing at night. She enjoys movies, reading, cosplaying, and eating good food in her downtime.
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