Top Museums to Visit in Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city where tradition and history come alive, especially within its remarkable museums. These cultural havens offer a vivid journey through Japan's rich heritage, from ancient Buddhist art to the intricacies of the samurai era.

Kyoto National Museum

The Kyoto National Museum is a vital institution for Japanese art, focusing on pre-modern Japanese and Asian art. Its collections include Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, metalwork, and calligraphy, providing insight into Japan's artistic development. The museum is known for its Heisei Chishinkan Wing, a modern structure that complements its historical displays. This wing hosts special exhibitions that often feature international collaborations, providing a broader context to Japan's artistic heritage.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (extended during special exhibitions)
How to Get There: 7 minutes from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Admission: Varies; general admission around 700 yen
Highlights: The museum grounds include a traditional teahouse, sculpture gardens, and a pleasant water fountain overlooked by a replica of Rodin’s iconic The Thinker.

Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art

Formerly named the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art is situated in a photogenic classical building close to Heian-jingū shrine. The museum has a fantastic permanent collection of around 3800 pieces by Kyoto artists, including paintings in both Japanese and Western styles, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, sculptures, calligraphy, and other crafts. The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions that focus on specific artists, time periods, or themes, as well as pop culture favorites such as Doraemon and Rurouni Kenshin. Visitors can also enjoy traditional local Kyoto sweets at the cafe or pick up a picnic set to enjoy in the picturesque grounds.

Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum

Located in Kyoto’s scenic Fushimi district, one of the top sake brewing areas in the country, the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved building owned by industry giant Gekkeikan, dating back to 1637. Inside, you can explore exhibits and artifacts relating to the brewery’s history and the process of sake making. For an extra fee, you can tour the neighboring Uchigura Sake Brewery, where traditional methods are still used. The museum visit ends with a chance to sample some of the finished products, and you even get a small bottle to take home as a gift.

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan

The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan is a celebration of Kyoto's rich heritage in crafts. It showcases the beauty and intricacy of various local crafts, including textiles, ceramics, lacquerware, and metalwork. This museum provides a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to see artisans at work and even participate in some craft-making activities.

Kyoto Railway Museum

Opened in 2016, the Kyoto Railway Museum is a fun and interactive choice for families and train enthusiasts. The museum covers everything from railway uniforms and tools to the inner workings of ticket machines. The 30,000-sq-m site houses 53 retired trains, including vintage steam locomotives and modern shinkansen (bullet trains). For a small extra fee, you can take a 10-minute ride in a passenger car pulled by an authentic steam train. Other highlights include a driving simulator and intricate diorama where miniature trains whizz around a detailed landscape.

Ryozen Museum of History

Focusing on the Bakumatsu period, the Ryozen Museum of History showcases this era's history through artifacts and documents. It highlights figures like Sakamoto Ryoma and the Shinsengumi, giving visitors insight into the period's political and social changes. Located near the Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, the museum offers a detailed look at the events leading to the Meiji Restoration.

The Museum of Kyoto

Housed within a compelling red-brick building that was once the Kyoto branch of the Bank of Japan, The Museum of Kyoto details the city’s rich history. The museum features reconstructed Edo-period cafés and shops, paintings by Western and Japanese artists, and beautiful Kyoto dolls known as kyo-ningyo. It also hosts a range of fascinating exhibitions covering both Japanese and international themes.

Additional Tips for Visitors

• Kansai Grutto Pass: Consider buying the Kansai Grutto Pass for ¥1,100, which provides free or heavily discounted admission to over 100 museums and galleries in the Kansai region. This pass is available annually and expires three months from its first use or on March 31, whichever occurs first.
• Special Exhibitions: Many museums in Kyoto host special exhibitions that can get busy, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to check the museum’s schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
• Interactive Experiences: Some museums, like the Kyoto Railway Museum, offer interactive experiences such as driving simulators and train rides, making them great choices for families.
• Local Crafts and Artisans: Museums like the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts Fureaikan provide opportunities to see artisans at work and participate in craft-making activities, offering a unique and immersive experience.