Best Museums & Art Galleries in Kyōto, Japan

1. Kyoto National Museum

Discover the history of Japan through its art and archaeology, from ancient to modern periods.

Extensive Collection: Houses over 12,000 artifacts and paintings, one of the largest in Japan.
Architectural Beauty: Beautiful Japanese architecture that harmonizes with the natural surroundings.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors.

Immerse in the world of manga (Japanese comics) with a vast collection spanning decades.

Comprehensive Collection: Has over 300,000 original manga works from various eras and genres.
Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits to engage visitors of all ages.
Manga Research Library: Includes a research library for scholars and enthusiasts.

Explore the world of fashion through an exquisite collection of kimonos and Western costumes.

Haute Couture Gallery: Showcases works by renowned designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Kimono Collection: Features an extensive collection of traditional Japanese kimonos.
Fashion Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions featuring various themes in fashion history.

Appreciate the beauty of Western art from the Renaissance to the modern era.

Masterpieces Collection: Features works by artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Japan-Europe Art Exchange: Promotes exchange between Japanese and Western art through various programs.
Restoration Studio: Includes a restoration studio where you can observe the process of art conservation.

Explore contemporary art and design at this museum affiliated with Kyoto University.

Contemporary Exhibits: Features cutting-edge contemporary art and design exhibitions.
Artist Residency Program: Supports emerging artists through residency programs and workshops.
Design Gallery: Showcases design works by students and faculty of the university.

Experience art from around the world at this museum located in an international community center.

International Collection: Features works by artists from various countries and cultures.
Community Engagement: Holds art workshops, classes, and events for the international community.
Rotating Exhibitions: Offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

Discover traditional Japanese crafts and folk art, including pottery, textiles, and lacquerware.

Traditional Craftsmanship: Highlights the skills and techniques of traditional Japanese crafts.
Artisan Demonstrations: Features artisans demonstrating their craft, allowing visitors to observe the process.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific crafts or techniques.

Appreciate modern and contemporary Japanese art in a serene setting.

Japanese Art Collection: Features works by notable Japanese artists, such as Yayoi Kusama and Takashi Murakami.
Peaceful Garden: Surrounded by a beautiful garden, providing a tranquil setting for art appreciation.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions featuring various themes in contemporary Japanese art.

Discover the history of fashion through a collection of western and non-western costumes.

Cross-Cultural Collection: Features costumes from various cultures, not just Western fashion.
Fashion Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes in fashion history.
Research Library: Includes a research library for scholars and enthusiasts.

Appreciate modern and contemporary art from Japan and around the world.

Japanese Art Collection: Features works by notable Japanese artists, such as Yoko Ono and Taro Okamoto.
International Art Collection: Features works by artists from various countries and cultures.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes in modern and contemporary art.

Learn about traditional Japanese craftsmanship through demonstrations and exhibitions.

Craft Demonstrations: Features artisans demonstrating their craft, allowing visitors to observe the process.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific traditional crafts or techniques.
Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional Japanese crafts.

Appreciate modern and contemporary Japanese art in a beautiful modernist building.

Japanese Art Collection: Features works by notable Japanese artists, such as Kazuo Shiraga and Jiro Yoshihara.
Architectural Masterpiece: Designed by Kenzo Tange, a renowned architect, the museum is a modernist masterpiece.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes in modern and contemporary art.

Discover traditional Japanese arts like flower arrangement (Ikebana), tea ceremony, and calligraphy.

Traditional Arts Demonstrations: Features demonstrations of various traditional Japanese arts.
Special Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on specific traditional arts or artists.
Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can learn about and practice traditional Japanese arts.

Dive into the world of manga and anime with interactive exhibits and a vast collection.

Comprehensive Collection: Has over 300,000 original works related to manga and anime.
Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits where visitors can create their own manga or anime characters.
Theater Screenings: Holds screenings of popular anime films and TV series.

Marvel at the beautiful Uji-e-Zuo (Famous Scenes of the Uji River) paintings in a historic temple.

Historic Setting: Located inside the famous Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Precious Paintings: Features Uji-e-Zuo paintings, which are some of the most important artworks in Japanese painting history.
Temporary Exhibitions: Holds temporary exhibitions focusing on various themes related to Buddhist art.