Best Bookstores & Libraries in Kyōto, Japan
1. Kyoto International Manga Museum
A unique manga library with a vast collection of over 300,000 manga titles from around the world. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops.
- Vast Collection: One of the largest manga collections in the world.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts exhibitions on various manga themes and artists.
- Workshops & Lectures: Provides opportunities to learn about the art of manga through workshops and lectures.
2. Kyoto University Library
A research library with a vast collection of books, journals, and databases. It's particularly known for its East Asian studies resources.
- Research Focused: Primarily serves the academic community and research needs.
- East Asian Studies: Has a strong focus on East Asian studies resources.
- Digital Resources: Offers a variety of digital resources and databases.
3. Toshiya Bookstore
A multi-story bookstore specializing in Kyoto culture, history, and local authors. It also offers a cafe on the top floor.
- Kyoto Focus: Specializes in books about Kyoto's culture, history, and local authors.
- Cafe on Top Floor: Features a cafe on the top floor with a great view of the city.
- Spacious Interior: Has a spacious interior with multiple floors for browsing.
4. Kyoto Jinja Omotesenkei Bunko
A library located within the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds, offering a collection of books related to Shinto and Japanese history.
- Imperial Grounds: Located within the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds.
- Shinto & History: Focuses on books related to Shinto and Japanese history.
- Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the Imperial Palace grounds.
5. Kyoto International Community Center Library
A community library with a diverse collection of books in multiple languages, catering to Kyoto's international community.
- Diverse Collection: Offers a wide range of books in multiple languages.
- International Community Focus: Caters specifically to Kyoto's international community.
- Language Exchange Programs: Facilitates language exchange programs for the local and international communities.
6. Kyoto Seikaku Library
A library offering a wide range of books on philosophy, psychology, religion, and spirituality.
- Philosophy & Spirituality Focus: Specializes in books on philosophy, psychology, religion, and spirituality.
- Quiet Study Environment: Provides a quiet environment for study and contemplation.
- Wide Collection: Has a vast collection of books on its focus areas.
7. Kyoto City Library Kamigyo-ku Branch
A public library with a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources.
- Diverse Collection: Offers a wide range of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources.
- Community Programs: Hosts community programs such as storytelling sessions and workshops.
- English Corner: Has an English corner for those learning the language.
8. Shimin Bunko Kitaokyo Branch Library
A public library with a focus on literature and art, featuring a collection of books and exhibitions.
- Literature & Art Focus: Specializes in literature and art resources.
- Exhibitions: Hosts exhibitions related to literature and art.
- Quiet Study Rooms: Provides quiet study rooms for focused work.
9. Kyoto University of Art and Design Library
A library serving the needs of Kyoto University of Art and Design students and faculty, with a focus on art and design resources.
- Art & Design Focus: Caters to the academic community's art and design research needs.
- Digital Resources: Offers a variety of digital resources and databases.
- Art Exhibitions: Hosts art exhibitions featuring student and faculty work.
10. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) Library
A library located within the Silver Pavilion grounds, offering books on history, art, and culture.
- Historical Setting: Located within the historic Silver Pavilion grounds.
- Art & Culture Focus: Focuses on books about history, art, and culture.
- Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the Silver Pavilion and its gardens.
11. Kyoto University Rikkyo Library
A library serving the needs of Kyoto University students and faculty, with a focus on humanities resources.
- Humanities Focus: Caters to the academic community's humanities research needs.
- Digital Resources: Offers a variety of digital resources and databases.
- Study Rooms: Provides study rooms for focused work.
12. Kyoto Municipal Kyoto Art and Craft Museum Library
A library focusing on Japanese art and craft, with a collection of books and resources.
- Art & Craft Focus: Specializes in books about Japanese art and craft.
- Exhibitions: Hosts exhibitions showcasing Japanese art and craft.
- Workshops: Offers workshops teaching traditional Japanese art and craft techniques.
13. Kyoto University Shibunkaku Library
A library focusing on Asian studies, particularly East Asia, with a collection of books and resources.
- Asian Studies Focus: Caters to the academic community's Asian studies research needs.
- Digital Resources: Offers a variety of digital resources and databases.
- Study Rooms: Provides study rooms for focused work.
14. Kyoto City Library Nakagyo-ku Main Branch
A public library with a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources, catering to the needs of Kyoto citizens.
- Diverse Collection: Offers a wide range of books, periodicals, and multimedia resources.
- Community Programs: Hosts community programs such as storytelling sessions and workshops.
- English Corner: Has an English corner for those learning the language.
15. Kyoto Municipal Kiyomizu-dera Otowa-no-Michi Library
A library located within the Kiyomizu-dera Temple grounds, offering books on Buddhism and Japanese culture.
- Historical Setting: Located within the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple grounds.
- Buddhism & Culture Focus: Focuses on books about Buddhism and Japanese culture.
- Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its surroundings.