Museums in Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture offers 72 museums, from the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto to the Gunze Museum. Visitors can find museums covering a wide range of interests.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the 20 best

Ryūkoku Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Japan's first comprehensive Buddhist museum, offering a deep dive into Buddhist art and history.

Ryozen Museum of History

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore Japan's pivotal Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration periods through artifacts and detailed e...

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Japan's second public art museum, with a focus on Japanese and Western art.

Sen-oku Hakuko Kan

KYOTO · MUSEUM

This Kyoto museum showcases ancient Chinese bronzes and East Asian art, including National Treas...

Tango Earthquake Memorial Hall

KYOTO · MUSEUM

A reinforced concrete hall commemorating the 1927 Tango Earthquake, notable for its architecture...

Miyazu Shiritsu Maeo Kinen Bunko

KYOTO · MUSEUM

A memorial library and archive in Miyazu City, housing a significant collection of books and his...

Japan Kanji Museum & Library

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore the history and culture of kanji at this unique museum and library in Kyoto.

Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Regional Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Local museum in Kizugawa City, showcasing regional history and excavated artifacts.

The Tale of Genji Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji, at this dedicated museum.

Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore Kyoto's cultural heritage and Hyakunin Isshu poetry in this modern museum.

Hikari Art Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Hikari Art Museum: a free contemporary art museum with Sea of Japan views, focusing on fire and...

Kotohikihama Singing Sand Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

A unique museum dedicated to singing sand, offering a hands-on experience and global sand exhibi...

Kyoto Museum for World Peace

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore the history of modern wars and the pursuit of peace at this museum.

Shigureden

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Saga Arashiyama Bunkakan is a museum dedicated to classical Japanese poetry, near Kyoto's scenic...

Kaya Railway Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Step back in time at this museum preserving a historic railway station and its trains.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Japan's largest manga museum, a must-see for its vast collection and unique setting.

Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives

KYOTO · MUSEUM

Explore Kyoto's history through a vast collection of documents, books, and cultural properties.

Museums elsewhere

See everything by prefecture and type