10 Best Museums in Kyoto

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.