10 Best Museums in Kyoto
Where to Discover Kyoto History, Art and Culture?
Kyoto boasts some of the best museums in Japan, offering a treasure trove of the country’s most revered relics. Spending some time exploring these museums can add a deeper layer of meaning to your time in the city.
There’s so much history and heritage in Kyoto thanks to its place at the centre of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. There are hundreds of museums and galleries in the city, but our list shows the best ones to start exploring.
1. Kyoto National Museum
Rich and diverse collections
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Parejas
The Kyoto National Museum is home to an exquisite collection of archaeological artefacts, calligraphy, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, lacquer work and more. With up to 6,000 exhibits on display at any given time, the museum offers a rich and diverse experience for visitors.
Special exhibitions change regularly, so it’s worth stopping by the beautiful Meiji-era red brick building for the latest details, or you can check online for updated information. Conveniently located, the museum is within walking distance from Shichijo subway station.
Ubicación: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0931, Japan
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-525-2473
Kyoto National Museum
2. Kyoto Imperial Palace
Exploring the majestic palace and gardens
Categoría: Familias, Economía, Fotos
The stunning Kyoto Imperial Palace, located in a huge park north of downtown Kyoto, served as the residence of the Imperial Family until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1868. Surrounded by an earthen wall, the palace complex features 5 gates, with the southern gate as the main entrance. The palace was destroyed by fire a few times and the current palace was rebuilt in 1855 with traditional methods. The stunning gardens still follow the original design.
The park also features numerous historical sites, including ancient temples. Visitors can join a free English-language tour of the palace grounds without prior registration.
Ubicación: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-0881, Japan
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-211-1215
Kyoto Imperial Palace
3. Nishijin Textile Center
Kyoto’s textile mastery
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Parejas
If you’ve always wanted to try on a kimono, the Nishijin Textile Center is the place to go in Kyoto. Dress up as an apprentice geisha in an elegant 12-layered ceremonial kimono and have your photo taken, of course. This textile museum has wonderful exhibits of Japanese clothing and cloth, ancient textiles and demonstrations of hand looms by master craftspeople.
Free kimono fashion shows are held at regular times throughout the day. Find this popular tourist spot in Nishijin, Kyoto’s traditional weaving district.
Ubicación: 414 Tatemonzencho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8216, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-451-9231
Nishijin Textile Center
4. Kyoto Museum for World Peace
A museum promoting hope and world peace
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Parejas
The Kyoto Museum for World Peace is located in Ritsumeikan University. Using simulations, films, photographs and replicas, this museum’s purpose is to spread world peace. The museum has dedicated areas, for example, for the 15-year Japan War and post-war reconstruction since 1945.
A centrepiece of the museum is a sculpture created by Hongo Shin in honour of the students whose studies were cut short by the WWII mobilisation in 1943. Most of the descriptions and display materials are in Japanese, but English language guidebooks are available at reception.
Ubicación: 56-1 Tojiin Kitamachi, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8355, Japan
Horario: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-465-8151
Kyoto Museum for World Peace
5. The Museum of Kyoto
Learning about Kyoto’s history, art and films
Categoría: Familias, Historia
Housed in a grand Meiji-period building, the Museum of Kyoto offers a captivating experience. The museum’s general exhibitions showcase Kyoto’s rich history and culture as well as art featuring works by Japanese and Western-style painters, sculptors and craftsmen connected to Kyoto. The museum also has a section devoted to the Kyoto film industry.
With excellent audio-visual displays and scale models of Kyoto in bygone days, the Museum of Kyoto offers an interactive and interesting experience. Most of the descriptions and display materials are in Japanese, but you can request an English-speaking guide to walk you through the exhibits.
Ubicación: 623-1 Higashikatamachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8183, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7.30 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-222-0888
The Museum of Kyoto
6. Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
Exploring and shopping for traditional crafts
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Compras
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts showcases an impressive array of traditional Japanese handicrafts, including kimonos, Japanese dolls, paper fans, umbrellas, boxwood combs, lacquer ware, Buddhist worship sets and porcelain. This excellent museum also provides detailed information about Japan’s traditional industries.
Both Japanese and English explanations are available, making it accessible to a wide audience. Before you leave, be sure to visit the crafts shop, where you can find a variety of beautifully designed and unique souvenirs to take home.
Ubicación: B1F Miyakomesse, 9-1 Okazaki-Seishoji-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8343, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-762-2670
Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
7. Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts
A museum like a piece of art itself
Categoría: Familias, Historia
The Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts showcases an impressive collection of modern art, paintings and sculptures. The museum itself is a piece of art, designed by avant-garde painter Insho Domoto, who was awarded the Order of Cultural Merits in 1961 for his contributions to the arts. This contemporary architectural gem presents an intriguing contrast to Kyoto’s timeless beauty.
Conveniently located within walking distance from Kinkaku-ji, the museum is an interesting stop when in the Kita Ward of northern Kyoto.
Ubicación: 26-3 Hirano Kamiyanagicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8355, Japan
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-463-0007
Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts
8. Okochi Sanso
Serenity and wonderful views
Categoría: Historia, Economía
The private villa of Okochi Sanso was the home of a great Japanese silent movie star Denjiro Okochi who rose to fame in the 1920s for his samurai films. This villa sits in a wonderfully peaceful location with stunning views of Arashiyama and Kyoto. It took around 30 years to complete and has many ornate touches inside and out.
The garden is designed to highlight all 4 seasons with pines, maples, cherry blossoms and azaleas. The price of admission includes a cup of tea and some cake to make the experience even sweeter. To reach this stunning villa, take the JR San-in line to Saga station.
Ubicación: 8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8394, Japan
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-872-2233
Okochi Sanso
9. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Tasting the Kyoto’s finest
Categoría: Parejas, Historia
The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, situated in the historic sake-making district of southern Kyoto, boasts an impressive collection of over 6,000 traditional sake-making implements. Many of the items have been declared Folk Craft Cultural Assets and depict how little authentic sake making techniques have changed over the centuries.
The museum is also a good place to sample sake and pick up a bottle of Kyoto’s finest to take home. To find the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, take the Keihan Line to Chushojima Station.
Ubicación: 247 Minamihamacho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-8660, Japan
Horario: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-623-2056
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
10. Kyoto Prefectural Office
A Neo-Renaissance-style beauty
Categoría: Historia, Fotos
This building was the former main building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Reminiscent of European styles of the day, it still looks the way it did when it was built in 1904. The Neo-Renaissance architecture of the building is a charming highlight of Kamanza Street, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
During the spring and autumn, the building is open to the public. You can see the old Assembly Room and the Governor’s Office.
Ubicación: Yabunouchi-cho, Nishiiru, Shinmachi, Shimodachiuri-dori, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8570 Japan
Horario: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +81 (0)75-451-8111
Kyoto Prefectural Office
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