Explore the Best Museums in Kyoto
Alright, folks! If you're heading to Kyoto, get ready for a cultural extravaganza! It's not just about temples and gardens - this city's also got a treasure trove of captivating museums that'll blow your mind.
Don't miss the chance to peek into Japan's past and see how artistry has evolved over the centuries.
And once you're done, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
But first things first, here are the 15 best museums in Kyoto to check out.
Let's take a look:
Kyoto Railway Museum
The museum's origin is linked to Kyoto Station's centennial celebration in 1972.
Renamed Kyoto Railway Museum, it showcases Japan's engineering achievements.
Some unique exhibits you can explore here include The Bullet Train Collection, The Steam Locomotive Gallery and Driving Simulators.
Other attractions nearby, including To-ji Temple, Kyoto Aquarium, and Umekoji Park, are must-visits for a truly unforgettable experience.
Address: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8851 (map)
Timings: Mon to Sun, 10am to 5pm. Closed on Tues & Weds
Admission: SGD 12
How to Reach: Take a short 20-minute walk from Kyoto Station
Kyoto National Museum: Preserving Japan's Cultural Heritage
Established in 1897, the Kyoto National Museum in Higashiyama Ward preserves Japan's cultural heritage with a vast collection of traditional artworks and artefacts.
Discover Japan's cultural heritage at Kyoto National Museum, showcasing traditional art, including the Samurai and Swords Collection, Kyoto Painting and Calligraphy Collection, Tea Ceremony Artefacts, and Textile and Kimono Collection.
Nearby attractions include Kiyomizu Temple's breathtaking views, Sanjusangen-do Temple's thousand Kannon statues, and the grandeur of Chion-in Temple.
An immersive journey through history and art awaits you in Kyoto.
Address: Kyoto National Museum, 527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0931 (map)
Timings: Tue, Weds, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 9.30am to 5pm, Fri: 9:30am to 7pm: Closed on Mon
Admission: SGD 6
How to Reach: Take the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, and it's a 13-minute walk from there.
The Museum of Kyoto: A Journey Through Kyoto's History and Culture
Situated in the heart of Kyoto, The Museum of Kyoto offers a captivating journey through the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Established in 1988, the museum aims to preserve and showcase the traditions, arts, and stories that define this ancient capital.
The Museum of Kyoto, once the Kyoto Branch of the Bank of Japan, symbolises the city's transition from history to modernity.
Discover exhibits like Kyoto in the Edo Period, The World of Geisha, and Modern Kyoto Artists.
Nearby attractions include Nijo Castle, Kyoto International Manga Museum, and Kyoto Imperial Palace with its regal history.
Address: The Museum of Kyoto, Sanjo-Takakura, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8183(map)
Timings: Tue to Sun, 10am to 7:30pm. Closed Mon
Admission: SGD 4.5
How to Reach: Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station and then transfer to the Tozai Subway Line to Sanjo-Keihan Station. It's a short 13-minute walk from there.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
The Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, located in the Okazaki Enshoji-cho area, is a testament to Japan's creative spirit and artistic innovation.
Established in 1963, the museum showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks, reflecting the nation's evolving cultural landscape.
The independent Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, champions contemporary Japanese art with exhibits like "Avant-Garde Art of the 20th Century" and "Nihonga" traditional painting.
You can explore the outdoor Contemporary Sculpture Garden too.
Nearby, visit the grand Heian Shrine and its gardens, stroll along the Philosopher's Path with cherry blossoms, and marvel at the elegance of Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), representing classical Japanese aesthetics.
Address: Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, 26-1 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344 (map)
Timings: Tue, Weds, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10am to 6pm, Fri: 10am to 8pm, Closed on Mon
Admission: SGD 4
How to Reach: Take the Keihan Main Line to Sanjo-Keihan Station, and it's a short 15-minute walk from there.
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art
The Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, located in the heart of Kyoto, is a cultural gem that celebrates both traditional and contemporary art forms.
Established in 1933, the museum has been a custodian of Japan's artistic heritage, fostering a deep appreciation for creative expression.
Formerly known as the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, the recently renovated Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art reopened in 2020 and is dedicated to preserving Kyoto's artistic legacy.
Unique exhibits include "Kyoto Renaissance: Edo-Period Art," "Emakimono" handscrolls, "The Essence of Tea Ceramics," and exquisite calligraphy masterpieces.
Nearby, don't miss the awe-inspiring Sanjusangen-do Temple, housing one thousand statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Address: 124 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8344 (map)
Timings: Tue to Sun, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mon
Admission: SGD 6.5
How to Reach: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma Oike Station, and then transfer to the Tozai Subway Line to Sanjo Keihan Station. It's a short 18-minute walk from there.
Kyoto Museum Of Crafts And Design
The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, a celebration of traditional craftsmanship, showcases the city's rich heritage and artistic excellence.
Housed in a renovated school building from the Meiji era, the museum exhibits a fascinating array of crafts, ranging from ceramics and textiles to metalwork and lacquerware, offering historical insights into Kyoto's artisanal traditions.
Nearby attractions include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, and the Gion District, a charming area known for its geisha culture.
Don't miss the museum's unique exhibits, like the "Kyo-Kanoko Shibori" showcasing Kyoto's distinctive tie-dye technique and the intricate "Kyo-sashimono" woodworking display.
Address: B1F Miyakomesse, 9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8343 (map)
Timings: Open daily, 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free
How to Reach: Take the Tozai Line and walk 10 minutes from Exit 1 at Higashiyama Station
The Kyoto Museum of Photography
The Kyoto Museum of Photography, a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts, provides a captivating journey through the history and art of photography.
Housed in a beautifully preserved building with historical significance, the museum offers a glimpse into Kyoto's photographic legacy.
Nearby attractions to explore include the picturesque Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering stunning city views, and the charming Gion District, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha culture.
Inside the museum, you'll find unique exhibits like "Kyoto Through the Lens of Time," showcasing the city's transformation captured by photographers through the ages, and "Eternal Moments," featuring breathtaking nature photography from across Japan.
Address: 374-2 Horiike-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0038 (map)
Timings: Open daily, 11am to 6pm
Admission: Free
How to Reach: Take the Tozai Line to Higashiyama Station and walk 6-minutes from there.
Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum
The Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum, a unique and whimsical destination, provides a kaleidoscopic journey through the history of these captivating optical wonders.
Located in a charming historic building, the museum showcases the evolution of kaleidoscopes and their cultural significance.
Nearby attractions include the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple, and the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Inside the museum, you'll find a mesmerising array of kaleidoscopes, including intricate handcrafted designs and contemporary masterpieces.
The museum also features a shop, cafe, and workshop where visitors can make their own kaleidoscopes.
This museum is a must-visit, especially for kids!
Address: 706-3 Dongein Maecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8184 (map)
Timings: Tue to Sun, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mon
Admission: SGD 2.6
How to Reach: Located behind the Museum of Kyoto, just a stone's throw away from the Shimpukan shopping centre and a 5-minute walk from the Kyoto Manga Museum.
Kyoto Ikebana Museum
Welcome to the Kyoto Ikebana Museum, where the magic of floral art comes alive!
Get ready to be swept away by history, nature, and creativity all rolled into one display.
Uncover the secrets behind Japan's ancient ikebana art as the museum showcases unique exhibits that reveal its delicate evolution.
You'll be awestruck by the masterpieces created by talented artisans, each arrangement telling a captivating story.
Best part? It's right in the heart of Kyoto, so all you flower lovers and culture enthusiasts, mark it as a must-visit!
And when you're done, don't miss the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park if you visit in March or the jaw-dropping views at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Let's dive into this enchanting floral wonderland, shall we?
Address: 595 Manjuyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8134 (map)
Timings: Mon to Fri, 9 am to 4pm. Closed on Sat & Sun
Admission: Free
How to Reach: From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma Oike Station, and then transfer to the Tozai Subway Line to Sanjo-Keihan Station. It's a short 17-minute walk from there.
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Step into the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a haven for manga enthusiasts and curious explorers!
Discover the captivating world of manga, blending historical insights with iconic storytelling.
Explore a treasure trove of unique exhibits showcasing the evolution of this beloved art form.
Conveniently located near Karasuma-Oike subway station, indulge in diverse genres and iconic characters.
Nearby, explore Nijo Castle's gardens and the bustling Nishiki Market for delectable street food and souvenirs.
There's no better place to embrace Japan's manga mania than at this must-visit museum!
Address: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846 (map)
Timings: Mon to Sun, 10:30am to 5:30pm. Closed on Weds
Admission: SGD 8
How to Reach: Located near the Karasuma-Oike subway station, the museum is easily accessible and is only a 2-minute walk away
Kyoto Costume Museum
The museum boasts a colourful exhibition of garments worn by Japanese nobility in the Heian period.
You can learn interesting facts about historical fashions through the displays.
The museum's collection includes over 13,000 pieces of clothing, accessories, and textiles, dating from the Heian period to the present day.
Address: 600-8468 Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Horikawa-dori Shinhanaya-cho down (5th floor of Izutsu Sameushi Building) (map)
Timings: Mon to Sat, 10am to 5pm
Admission: SGD 4.5
How to Reach: Take a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station
BnA Alter Museum
Culture vultures, this one's for you.
A museum and a hotel rolled into one, the BnA Alter Museum in Kyoto is an LGBTQ+ friendly, boutique art hotel featuring 31 unique art rooms created by 15 Japanese artists, offering a unique blend of art and nature with a showcase of modern sculptures.
Address: 267-1 Tenmacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8024, Japan (map)
Timings:Check-in: 3pmCheck-out: 11am
How to Reach: Take bus from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-Michi bus stop. It's a short 15-mimute walk from there.
Kyoto Shibori Museum
The Kyoto Shibori Museum is an establishment that showcases Kiyomizu-Michif Shibori, a traditional Japanese dyeing technique, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Shibori and its significance in Japanese culture.
Address: 127, Shikiami-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8261 (map)
Timings: Mon to Sat: 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sun
Admission: SGD 8.9
How to Reach: Take the Tozai line and get off at Nijojo-mae Station. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the museum.
Namikawa Cloisonne Museum of Kyoto
At the Namikawa Cloisonné Museum, experience an explosion of colours and craftsmanship!
Here, it's all about cloisonné art, the magical technique of adorning metal objects with vibrant enamel.
Prepare to be wowed by the intricate details and get ready to dive into the history of this fascinating art form.
Trust us, it's a dazzling journey you won't want to miss!
Address: 605-0038 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Horiikecho, 388-2(map)
Timings: Tue, Wed, Fri to Sun, 10am to 4.30pm
Admission: SGD 8.9
How to Reach: Take a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Subway Line
Geisha Museum Kyoto
Get ready for a captivating journey into the world of geisha at the Geisha Museum Kyoto!
From elegant kimonos to graceful fans and mesmerising musical instruments, it's an enchanting treasure trove of artefacts.
Explore their rigorous training and discover the diverse types of geisha.
Address: 100, Rokurocho, Matsubara-dori Yamatooji Higashi iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (map)
Admission: SGD 26
How to Reach: Take a 14-minute walk from Gion Shijo station
Make Travelling Around Kyoto Easy
Exploring Kyoto goes beyond just exploring museums.
To make your journey even more convenient and enjoyable, here are some useful products that will enhance your travel experience in and around Kyoto.
Get an Unlimited Travel Pass
Explore the highlights of Kyoto hassle-free with the Hankyu Tourist Pass, which enables unlimited travel on Hankyu Railway in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, excluding the Kobe Kosoku line.
Book Your Celebrity-Like Photo Shoot Experience
Experience celebrity-like travel in Kyoto by joining a local photographer to choose your ideal backdrop for a fun photo shoot, with high-res edited photos delivered within 24 hours.
Unlock The Kansai Treasures
Enjoy the Have Fun in Kansai pass, offering 3 top activities in a week, with free admission to attractions, gourmet meal vouchers, Japanese souvenirs, and transportation options.
Best Museums in Kyoto: Drink in Artistic Treasures
Apart from these, some of the other museums that you can explore include Ukiyo-e Museum Kyoto, Ikebana Museum, Kyoto Costume Museum and more.
When you're in Japan, don't miss the opportunity to explore its rich heritage and artistry by visiting nearby temples and gardens. It's like stepping into a world of beauty and tranquillity, where the past meets the present in the most captivating way!
Embark on an insightful journey with Pelago with seamless access to exploring and discovering the rich cultural heritage that makes Kyoto truly exceptional.